# Farmers Rights > Farmers Rights Main language:en_GB ## [Home](https://www.farmersrights.org/) > Farmers' Rights, agrobiodiversity and food security. This is a resource site for decision-makers, negotiators, practitioners and researchers on Farmers' Rights. - [Resource site for decision-makers, negotiators, practitioners and researchers](https://www.farmersrights.org/resource-site-for-decision-makers-negotiators-practitioners-and-researchers) ### [Aktueltboks](https://www.farmersrights.org/aktueltboks/) > Welcome to this website which has been developed to support the realization of Farmers’ Rights related to seed and crop genetic resources with research-based guidance. ### [Forsideartikler](https://www.farmersrights.org/forsideartikler/) - [About this website](https://www.farmersrights.org/about/) - [What are Farmers' Rights?](https://www.farmersrights.org/what-are-farmers-rights/) ### [Contribute here](https://www.farmersrights.org/contribute-here/) > The Farmers’ Rights website depends on input from you. Please help us keep the site updated by letting us know about new developments and research related to Farmers’ Rights. ## [What are Farmers' Rights?](https://www.farmersrights.org/what-are-farmers-rights/) > Farmers' Rights related to crop genetic resources refer to the rights that farmers have with regard to seed, propagating material and crop genetic diversity in general – and associated knowledge. Basically, realizing Farmers' Rights means enabling farmers to maintain and develop crop genetic diversity, and recognizing and rewarding them for this indispensable contribution to the global pool of genetic resources and to local and global food security. - [Feedback](https://www.farmersrights.org/what-are-farmers-rights/feedback) ### [Why Farmers' Rights matter](https://www.farmersrights.org/what-are-farmers-rights/why-farmers-rights-matter/) > Farmers' Rights related to seed and propagating material are a precondition for the maintenance and further development of crop genetic diversity, which is the basis of all food and agriculture production in the world. Thus, realizing Farmers’ Rights is central to achieving and maintaining global food and nutrition security. For small-scale farmers in the Global South, the realization of Farmers’ Rights is a means to fighting hunger and poverty. ### [The contents of Farmers' Rights](https://www.farmersrights.org/what-are-farmers-rights/the-contents-of-farmers-rights/) > The Governing Body of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture is in the process of defining contents of Farmers’ Rights. ### [History of Farmers' Rights](https://www.farmersrights.org/what-are-farmers-rights/history-of-farmers-rights/) > To understand the provisions on Farmers' Rights in the International Treaty, it is useful to review the history of negotiations regarding these rights. Since Farmers' Rights were first taken up in international negotiations in 1986, important clarifications have been made. ## [How to realize Farmers' Rights](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/) > How can you proceed to promote Farmers' Rights in your country, according to the provisions in the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture? A set of options for the realization of Farmers’ Rights may provide guidance. Also, a stepwise approach for the process is offered ### [1. Options for recognition of farmers contributions](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/1-options-for-recognition-of-farmers-contributions/) > This is the first category of options to encourage, guide and promote the realization of Farmers’ Rights in the Options Document. It comprises options for the recognition of local and indigenous communities’ and farmers’ contributions to the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA, such as awards and recognition of custodian/guardian farmers. - [Option 1A](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/1-options-for-recognition-of-farmers-contributions/option-1a): Establish prizes and awards to honor custodian/guardian farmers, farming communities and their organizations who contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA in an outstanding manner. - [Option 1B](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/1-options-for-recognition-of-farmers-contributions/option-1b): Highlight the role and expertise of farmers, farming communities and their organizations in the conservation and/or development of PGRFA by mentioning their names and further details in official records. - [Option 1C](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/1-options-for-recognition-of-farmers-contributions/option-1c): Designate locally, nationally or Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems sites for the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA and support farmers and their organizations in the sustainable management and governance of such sites. ### [2. Options for financial contributions](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/2-options-for-financial-contributions/) > This is the second category of options to encourage, guide and promote the realization of Farmers’ Rights in the Options Document. It comprises options for the finantial contributions to support farmers’ conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA such as contributions to benefit-sharing funds. - [Option 2A](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/2-options-for-financial-contributions/option-2a): Provide funds for farmers, farming communities and their organizations who conserve, develop and sustainably use PGRFA, including for capacity development. - [Option 2B](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/2-options-for-financial-contributions/option-2b): Contribute voluntarily to the Benefit-sharing Fund (BSF) of the International Treaty. ### [3. Options for encouraging income-generating activities](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/3-options-for-encouraging-income-generating-activities/) > This is the third category of options to encourage, guide and promote the realization of Farmers’ Rights in the Options Document. It comprises options for approaches to encourage income-generating activities to support farmers’ conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA. - [Option 3C](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/3-options-for-encouraging-income-generating-activities/option-3c): Create and support markets for products issued from farmers’ varieties/farmers’ seed systems. - [Option 3B](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/3-options-for-encouraging-income-generating-activities/option-3b): Develop value-chains for local crops, varieties and evolutionary populations with specific adaptation, nutritional value, uses or other benefits. - [Option 3A](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/3-options-for-encouraging-income-generating-activities/option-3a): Conduct and/or support promotional activities to strengthen sustainable consumption for products derived from the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA. ### [4. Options for documentation of PGRFA](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/4-options-for-documentation-of-pgrfa/) > This is the fourth category of options to encourage, guide and promote the realization of Farmers’ Rights in the Options Document. It comprises options for catalogues, registries and other forms of documentation of PGRFA and protection of traditional knowledge. - [Option 4C](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/4-options-for-documentation-of-pgrfa/option-4c): Support farmers and farming communities to develop instruments to govern access to PGRFA over which they have established rights and traditional knowledge associated with PGRFA based on their local practices, procedures and community protocols. - [Option 4B](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/4-options-for-documentation-of-pgrfa/option-4b): Conduct and/or support activities for conserving, sharing and disseminating traditional knowledge relating to PGRFA. - [Option 4A](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/4-options-for-documentation-of-pgrfa/option-4a): Recognize, collect and document traditional knowledge on PGRFA, including knowledge relating to cultivation and use. ### [5. Options for in-situ on farm management of PGRFA](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/5-options-for-in-situ-on-farm-management-of-pgrfa/) > This is the fifth category of options to encourage, guide and promote the realization of Farmers’ Rights in the Options Document. It comprises options for in situ/on-farm conservation and management of PGRFA, such as social and cultural measures, community biodiversity management and conservation sites. - [Option 5C](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/5-options-for-in-situ-on-farm-management-of-pgrfa/option-5c): Conduct and disseminate studies on the participation of farmers and communities in in situ/on-farm conservation, management and sustainable use of PGRFA, including technological, ecological, socioeconomic and cultural aspects. - [Option 5B](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/5-options-for-in-situ-on-farm-management-of-pgrfa/option-5b): Strengthen the role and identity of custodian/guardian farmers and communities through social and cultural activities. - [Option 5A](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/5-options-for-in-situ-on-farm-management-of-pgrfa/option-5a): Support and safeguard community biodiversity management and/or other practical activities of farmers and farming communities for in situ/on-farm management of PGRFA. ### [6. Options for farmers’ access to crop diversity (CSOs etc.)](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/6-options-for-farmers-access-to-crop-diversity-csos-etc/) > This is the sixth category of options to encourage, guide and promote the realization of Farmers’ Rights in the Options Document. It comprises options for the facilitation of farmers’ access to a diversity of PGRFA through community seed banks, seed networks and other measures improving farmers’ choices of a wider diversity of PGRFA. - [Option 6D](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/6-options-for-farmers-access-to-crop-diversity-csos-etc/option-6d): Support farmers’ seed systems and innovation. - [Option 6C](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/6-options-for-farmers-access-to-crop-diversity-csos-etc/option-6c): Facilitate farmers’ access to material from genebanks, research institutes, universities and the private sector. - [Option 6B](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/6-options-for-farmers-access-to-crop-diversity-csos-etc/option-6b): Organize and/or support farmers’ seed festivals and fairs. - [Option 6A](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/6-options-for-farmers-access-to-crop-diversity-csos-etc/option-6a): Establish and/or support community seed banks, seed clubs, seed houses, seed-saver networks or similar approaches. ### [7. Options for participatory research on PGRFA](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/7-options-for-participatory-research-on-pgrfa/) > This is the seventh category of options to encourage, guide and promote the realization of Farmers’ Rights in the Options Document. It comprises options for participatory approaches to research on PGRFA, including characterization and evaluation, participatory plant breeding and variety selection. - [Option 7C](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/7-options-for-participatory-research-on-pgrfa/option-7c): Conduct participatory research on other aspects of PGRFA. - [Option 7B](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/7-options-for-participatory-research-on-pgrfa/option-7b): Develop participatory plant breeding programmes or projects. - [Option 7A](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/7-options-for-participatory-research-on-pgrfa/option-7a): Involve farmers in the characterization, evaluation and selection of PGRFA, including landraces/farmers’ varieties, and/or new varieties, populations and genebank accessions. ### [8. Options for farmers’ participation in decision making](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/8-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. - [Option 8B](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/8-options-for-farmers-participation-in-decision-making/option-8b): Organize policy dialogue processes with participation of farmers and/or their representative organizations. - [Option 8A](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/8-options-for-farmers-participation-in-decision-making/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. ### [9. Options for training, capacity and awareness development](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/9-options-for-training-capacity-and-awareness-development/) > This is the ninth category of options to encourage, guide and promote the realization of Farmers’ Rights in the Options Document. It comprises options for training, capacity development and public awareness creation. - [Option 9C](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/9-options-for-training-capacity-and-awareness-development/option-9c): Enhance farmers’ and their organizations’ technical and/or organizational capacities, systems of knowledge and management that foster biodiverse systems, conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA. - [Option 9B](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/9-options-for-training-capacity-and-awareness-development/option-9b): Strengthen farmers’ and their organizations’ capacities to effectively participate in policy dialogue and decision-making processes. - [Option 9A](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/9-options-for-training-capacity-and-awareness-development/option-9a): Promote understanding and raise awareness of the importance of Farmers’ Rights. ### [10. Options for legal measures to implement Farmers’ Rights](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/10-options-for-legal-measures-to-implement-farmers-rights/) > This is the tenth category of options to encourage, guide and promote the realization of Farmers’ Rights in the Options Document. It comprises options for legal measures for the implementation of Farmers’ Rights, such as legislative measures related to PGRFA. - [Option 10E](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/10-options-for-legal-measures-to-implement-farmers-rights/option-10e): Study national and international policies and laws regarding their contributions to the realization of Farmers' Rights. - [Option 10D](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/10-options-for-legal-measures-to-implement-farmers-rights/option-10d): Realize Farmers’ Rights through reviewing and, as appropriate, adjusting national laws for access and benefit-sharing and/or related procedures - [Option 10C](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/10-options-for-legal-measures-to-implement-farmers-rights/option-10c): Realize Farmers’ Rights through reviewing and, as appropriate, adjusting seed laws and/or related procedures. - [Option 10B](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/10-options-for-legal-measures-to-implement-farmers-rights/option-10b): Realize Farmers’ Rights through reviewing and, as appropriate, adjusting, intellectual property law and/or related procedures. - [Option 10A](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/10-options-for-legal-measures-to-implement-farmers-rights/option-10a): Realize Farmers' Rights within the national legislation, administrative and policy framework relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA. ### [11. Options for other measures/practices](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/11-options-for-other-measures-practices/) > This is the eleventh category of options to encourage, guide and promote the realization of Farmers’ Rights in the Options Document. It comprises options for other measures/practices. - [Option 11A](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/11-options-for-other-measures-practices/option-11a): Support farmers’ conservation, management and sustainable use of PGRFA through targeted emergency assistance. ### [Stepwise approach](https://www.farmersrights.org/how-to-realize-farmers-rights/stepwise-approach/) > The stepwise approach to realize Farmers' Rights is based on research carried out through the Farmers' Rights Project. Within this framework, different avenues are possible, dependent on needs and priorities. ## [State of Farmers' Rights](https://www.farmersrights.org/state-of-farmers-rights/) > This section will reflect on the state of realization of Farmers' Rights in different countries and regarding the various elements of these rights. The key barriers to achieving Farmers' Rights as well as possibilities to overcome them will also be highlighted here. ### [State of Farmers' Rights per topic](https://www.farmersrights.org/state-of-farmers-rights/state-of-farmers-rights-per-topic/) > This content will be posted later. ### [State of Farmers' Rights per country](https://www.farmersrights.org/state-of-farmers-rights/state-of-farmers-rights-per-country/) > This content will be posted later. ### [Key barriers to Farmers' Rights](https://www.farmersrights.org/state-of-farmers-rights/key-barriers-to-farmers-rights/) > This content will be posted later. ### [Prospects for Farmers' Rights](https://www.farmersrights.org/state-of-farmers-rights/prospects-for-farmers-rights/) > This content will be posted later. ## [International negotiations](https://www.farmersrights.org/international-negotiations/) > Since the entry into force of the Plant Treaty, Farmers’ Rights have been a hot topic for negotiations in the Treaty’s Governing Body. What should the contents be, more precisely? And how to realize Farmers’ Rights? Here you can read about the negotiations at each of the sessions of the Governing Body and about the inter-sessional processes providing the points of departure for those negotiations. As Farmers’ Rights are affected by other international regimes as well, a brief overview of relevant processes is offered. ### [The Plant Treaty](https://www.farmersrights.org/international-negotiations/the-plant-treaty/) > The Plant treaty is the only legally binding international agreement exclusively pertaining to the genetic resources in seed and propagating material for food and agriculture. It addresses the realization of Farmers’ Rights in Article 9, and has a number of supportive provisions in other parts of the Treaty, particularly in Article 6 on sustainable use of crop genetic resources. The Plant Treaty provides the international platform for negotiations on the realization of Farmers’ Rights related to crop genetic resources. ### [Plant Treaty Negotiations](https://www.farmersrights.org/international-negotiations/plant-treaty-negotiations/) > The Plant Treaty provides the international platform for negotiations on the realization of Farmers’ Rights related to crop genetic resources. Here you can read about the negotiations on Farmers’ Rights at each of the sessions of the Governing Body of the Plant Treaty. ### [Inter-sessional processes](https://www.farmersrights.org/international-negotiations/inter-sessional-processes/) > Important work is being carried out between the sessions of the Plant Treaty’s Governing Body to prepare the ground for negotiations and the adoption of resolutions on Farmers’ Rights. These inter-sessional processes contribute to framing the topics of negotiation and creating common ground of understanding among parties and stakeholders. This has been decisive to the results achieved by the Governing Body. Here you can read about relevant processes between the sessions of the Treaty’s Governing Body. ### [Other international processes](https://www.farmersrights.org/international-negotiations/other-international-processes/) > The extent to which Farmers' Rights can be implemented in a country is not only dependent on the needs and priorities within the country. Often it is also subject to the obligations and commitments that the country has under various international agreements to which it is bound. Sometimes, ratifying specific international agreements – often related to intellectual property rights – are preconditions for entering into bilateral and regional trade agreements, thus putting extra pressures on countries in these directions. Thus, mainstreaming Farmers' Rights is not only important at the national, but also at the international level. ## [Literature and other resources](https://www.farmersrights.org/literature-and-other-resources/) > Here, you will find a collection of relevant resources on Farmers' Rights, including peer-reviewed articles and books, central reports, as well as links to websites and other resources. This is still work in progress and we will continue posting publications and links from our lists in the coming months. Please contact us if you have information about literature, websites, or other resources which you deem relevant for this overview ### [Global level and conceptual work](https://www.farmersrights.org/literature-and-other-resources/global-level-and-conceptual-work-1/) > Here, you will find a list of relevant peer-reviewed articles and books, as well as central reports on Farmers' Rights that apply a global focus or conceptual perspective. The resources are organized chronologically, the newest addition first. - [Swaminathan, M. S. (Ed.) (1996). Agrobiodiversity and Farmers' Rights](https://www.farmersrights.org/literature-and-other-resources/global-level-and-conceptual-work-1/swaminathan-m-s-ed-1996-agrobiodiversity-and-farmers-rights) - [Cleveland, D. A., and Murray, S.C. (1997). The World's Crop Genetic Resources and the Rights of Indigenous Farmers](https://www.farmersrights.org/literature-and-other-resources/global-level-and-conceptual-work-1/cleveland-d-a-and-murray-s-c-1997-the-world-s-crop-genetic-resources-and-the-rights-of-indigenous-farmers) - [Girsberger, M. A. (1999). Biodiversity and the Concept of Farmers' Rights in International Law. Factual Background and Legal Analysis](https://www.farmersrights.org/literature-and-other-resources/global-level-and-conceptual-work-1/girsberger-m-a-1999-biodiversity-and-the-concept-of-farmers-rights-in-international-law-factual-background-and-legal-analysis) - [Brush, S. (1992). Farmers' Rights and Genetic Conservation in Traditional Farming Systems](https://www.farmersrights.org/literature-and-other-resources/global-level-and-conceptual-work-1/brush-s-1992-farmers-rights-and-genetic-conservation-in-traditional-farming-systems) - [Pistorius, R. J., and Butler, B. (1996). How Farmers' Rights Can Be Used to Adapt Plant Breeders' Rights](https://www.farmersrights.org/literature-and-other-resources/global-level-and-conceptual-work-1/pistorius-r-j-and-butler-b-1996-how-farmers-rights-can-be-used-to-adapt-plant-breeders-rights) - [Swaminathan, M. S. (1998). Farmers' Rights and Plant Genetic Resources](https://www.farmersrights.org/literature-and-other-resources/global-level-and-conceptual-work-1/swaminathan-m-s-1998-farmers-rights-and-plant-genetic-resources) - [Gollin, D. (1998). Valuing Farmers' Rights](https://www.farmersrights.org/literature-and-other-resources/global-level-and-conceptual-work-1/gollin-d-1998-valuing-farmers-rights) - [Wright, B. D. (1998). Intellectual and Farmers' Rights](https://www.farmersrights.org/literature-and-other-resources/global-level-and-conceptual-work-1/wright-b-d-1998-intellectual-and-farmers-rights) - [Esquinas-Alcázar, J. (1998). Farmers' Rights](https://www.farmersrights.org/literature-and-other-resources/global-level-and-conceptual-work-1/esquinas-alcazar-j-1998-farmers-rights) - [Correa, C. (2000). Options for the Implementation of Farmers' Rights at the National Level](https://www.farmersrights.org/literature-and-other-resources/global-level-and-conceptual-work-1/correa-c-2000-options-for-the-implementation-of-farmers-rights-at-the-national-level) ### [Regional and national levels](https://www.farmersrights.org/literature-and-other-resources/regional-and-national-levels/) > Here, you will find a list of relevant peer-reviewed articles and books, as well as central reports on Farmers' Rights that apply a regional or national focus. The resources are organized region-wise, using the definition of regions applied by FAO, and chronologically under each region. ### [Other literature relevant to Farmers' Rights](https://www.farmersrights.org/literature-and-other-resources/other-literature-relevant-to-farmers-rights/) > Here you will find a list of relevant peer reviewed articles and books, as well as central reports, about topics relevant to Farmers’ Rights. These are topics that are often associated with the realization of Farmers’ Rights or which affect such realization and where there is substantial literature. The topics and lists are not exhaustive but seek to cover some of the central literature. ### [Central international documents relevant to Farmers' Rights](https://www.farmersrights.org/literature-and-other-resources/central-international-documents-relevant-to-farmers-rights/) > Here you will find a list of the most central international documents on Farmers’ Rights related to crop genetic resources. Also, the most relevant international documents for the realization of Farmers’ Rights have been included. ### [Links to relevant organizations](https://www.farmersrights.org/literature-and-other-resources/links-to-relevant-organizations/) > In this section, you will find links to selected websites and other resources of relevance to Farmers' Rights. - [Farmers' organizations](https://www.farmersrights.org/literature-and-other-resources/links-to-relevant-organizations/farmers-organizations) - [NGOs and CSOs working in fields related to Farmers' Rights](https://www.farmersrights.org/literature-and-other-resources/links-to-relevant-organizations/ngos-and-csos-working-in-fields-related-to-farmers-rights) - [Research institutions working in fields related to Farmers' Rights](https://www.farmersrights.org/literature-and-other-resources/links-to-relevant-organizations/research-institutions-working-in-fields-related-to-farmers-rights) - [International organizations and agreements relevant to Farmers' Rights](https://www.farmersrights.org/literature-and-other-resources/links-to-relevant-organizations/international-organizations-and-agreements-relevant-to-farmers-rights) ## [Search](https://www.farmersrights.org/search/) ## [Tags](https://www.farmersrights.org/tags/) ## [Archive](https://www.farmersrights.org/archive/) ## Full Index - [Full content index](https://www.farmersrights.org/llms-full.txt)