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International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources: Controversial Amendments Spark Debate

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International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources: Controversial Amendments Spark Debate
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Description

The 13th meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group on the Multilateral System (MLS) of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA) commenced on April 1, 2025, in Rome. This meeting has raised concerns due to proposed modifications that may impact benefit-sharing mechanisms, potentially granting unrestricted access to plant genetic resources. Critics argue that such changes could undermine the rights of developing nations.

Understanding Plant Treaty

The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA), also known as the Plant Treaty, was established in 2001 as the sole legally binding global agreement dedicated to plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. Its objectives include:

  • Ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources.

  • Promoting the equitable sharing of benefits derived from these resources.

  • Facilitating access to genetic resources while safeguarding Farmers' Rights, acknowledging their role in preserving crop diversity.

Debate Over Proposed Amendments

The ongoing meeting (April 1-4, 2025) in Rome is reviewing amendments that could dismantle the current benefit-sharing framework by allowing unrestricted access to genetic resources. Key points under discussion include:

  • Presently, the MLS covers only 35 food crops and 29 forage plants under benefit-sharing agreements.

  • The proposed changes could remove these limits, making all plant species available if they possess traits beneficial for food or forage development.

These changes have sparked opposition from civil society groups, farmers, and Indigenous communities who fear weakened protections for biodiversity and increased corporate exploitation.

Farmers Rights And Their Significance

Article 9 of the Plant Treaty mandates signatory nations to uphold Farmers’ Rights, which include:

  • The right to save, use, and exchange seeds.

  • Recognition of farmers' contributions to biodiversity conservation.

  • Support for small-scale farmers, especially in developing countries, in maintaining and managing plant genetic diversity.

Protecting these rights is essential for food security and sustainable agriculture, especially in regions that depend on traditional seed systems.

Global Opposition To Proposed Changes

A coalition of 138 civil society organizations, including 23 from India, has raised strong objections, citing concerns such as:

  • Undermining the Treaty’s core goal of protecting the rights of developing nations over their genetic resources.

  • Encouraging corporate control and biopiracy, particularly through digital means.

  • Threatening biodiversity and food security by allowing unrestricted access to genetic resources.

Potential Impact On Biodiversity

With 350,000 identified plant species, including 30,000 edible varieties, uncontrolled sharing of genetic material poses serious risks to local biodiversity. If these amendments are passed, the consequences could include:

  • Developing nations losing control over their unique plant species.

  • Conflict with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which upholds national rights over genetic resources.

  • Increased risk of exploitation by corporations, limiting benefits for farmers.

These concerns highlight the need for a balanced approach, ensuring global food security without compromising biodiversity or the interests of small-scale farmers.

The Plant Treaty’s future now hinges on these crucial negotiations, as stakeholders deliberate over the tension between open access and equitable benefit-sharing in the realm of plant genetic resources.


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