Introduction to theGlobal Consultations Conference

on FARMERS’ RIGHTS

Regine Andersen, Senior Research FellowFridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway

Global Consultations Conference on Farmers’ Rights Addis Ababa, 23–25 November 2010

Farmers’ Rights

Focus: Farmers’ Rights under the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA)

Farmers’ Rights related to crop genetic diversity

Farmers’ Rights are basically about– enabling farmers to continue conserving and

developing crop genetic diversity– rewarding them for their contribution to the

global genetic pool

Why farmers’ rights matter

Farmers are custodians of crop genetic diversity in situ on-farm

Whether they can continue to perform this task depends on legislation and policies

Thus, the implementation of the ITPGRFA objectives on conservation and sustainable use depends on Farmers’ Rights

Therefore, Farmers’ Rights are a corner stone of the Treaty...

... and vital for global and local food security as well as poverty alleviation

Farmers’ Rights in the Treaty Recognition of the enormous

contribution of farmers Responsibility rests with governments Elements:

– Protection of traditional knowledge– The right to equitably participate in benefit sharing– The right to participate in decision making – The rights that farmers have to save, use,

exchange and sell farm-saved seeds Preamble and other Treaty articles are

supportive The Governing Body shall promote the full

implementation and compliance (Art. 19 and 21)

Brief FR-consultation history

2006, GB1: Farmers’ Rights on the working agenda of the Governing Body

Informal international consultation on FR in Lusaka, Zambia, September 2007

2007, GB2: Report and input paper from Lusaka presented, and a resolution adopted

The ITPGRFA Secretariat collected views and experiences from countries & organizations

CGN and CTDT carried out an on-line conference: ’Options for Farmers’ Rights’

GB3, Tunis: Resolution 6/2009 CPs invited to review/adjust national

measures affecting the realization of FR CPs and other organizations encouraged to

continue submitting views and experiences The Secretariat requested to convene

regional workshops on Farmers’ Rights, subject to availability of funds

The Secretariat requested to collect views and experiences, & reports of the regional workshops as basis for agenda item at GB4

Appreciation of involvement of farmers org.

The 2010 Global Consultations

Objectives: Implementation of Res 6/2009 on regional consultations, with the aims of sharing national experiences and identify gaps and needs at the national level.

Global consultations Phase 1: E-mail survey Global consultations Phase 2: Conference Report to be submitted to the Secretariat for

GB4 as basis for agenda item on Farmers’ Rights. To be presented also at a side-event.

Conference programme Tuesday 23 November:

– Introduction– Sharing of experiences: national measures,

achievements– Discussion of obstacles and options to the

realization of Farmers’ Right Wednesday 24 November:

– Regional consultations (Africa, Asia with Near East, GRULAC, Europe with North America)

– Sharing of experiences: national measures, achievements and challenges

– Identify gaps and needs and provide recommendations

Conference Programme (cont.)

Thursday 25 November: Findings and recommendations from the

regional consultations – presentation Analysis of the results: Similarities,

differences, learning potentials Joint recommendations to the Governing

Body, (e.g. on how to realize FR at the national level and how the Governing Body can support the realization process)

Evaluation of the conference

Some words on language

Most participants are not native English speakers. Therefore, please:– try to speak slowly and use simple words.

– do not use too many abbreviations

– don’t hesitate to take the floor if you are a participants who feel insecure in English: Your contribution is highly appreciated!

Thank you!