Options for farmers’ participation in decision making
This is the eighth category of options to encourage, guide and promote the realization of Farmers’ Rights in the Options Document. It comprises options for farmers’ participation in decision-making at local, national and sub-regional, regional and international levels.
About this category of options
Contracting Parties to the International Treaty have agreed to take measures to protect and promote Farmers’ Rights, including the right to participate in making decisions, at the national level, on matters related to the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA, as appropriate, and subject to national legislation (Art. 9.2c).
Participation may include formal representation of farmers and/or their organizations in decision-making bodies and/or the organization of dialogue processes, for example to jointly assess needs or exchange views in preparation of decisions that may be taken in the future. As decisions at national level are often mutually dependant on decisions that are taken at other levels, including international, subnational or local levels, it may be useful to facilitate the participation of farmers in decision-making on relevant issues at all levels. Farmers’ and farming communities’ participation in making decisions may also be a way of recognizing their contributions to the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA (Art. 9.1). Depending on how measures under this category are set up, other provisions of Art. 9 may also be relevant.
There are two options:
- Option 8A: Ensure representation and effective participation of farmers and/or their organizations in national advisory committees, commissions, councils or working groups addressing issues relating to the conservation, management and sustainable use of PGRFA.
- Option 8B: Organize policy dialogue processes with participation of farmers and/or their representative organizations.
