Recent International Policy Developments for Plant Genetic Resources

The plant genetic resources are very vital for the growth of agriculture in all countries of the world. All countries depend on genetic diversity from other countries which calls for international cooperation and open exchange of genetic resources The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture is a step forward in this direction. The Treaty eases access to plant genetic resources and information and provides legal instrument for fair sharing of the benefits arising from these genetic resources The paper highlights the details of standard material transfer agreement, multi-year plan of work, extending the usc and the training and technical assistance needed for effective implementation of the Treaty. The experience of CGIAR Centres in distributing and acquiring material under the standard material transfer agreement during the initial period of the new agreement has also been enumerated.