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Conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture

Safeguarding our food security

Year of publication 2023

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 22 p.

Author FAO

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Booklet

To cite or share https://doi.org/10.4060/cc9031en

Synopsis (short abstract) The booklet describes the importance of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) to address food insecurity, biodiversity loss, climate change adaptation, and poverty alleviation. It explains why PGRFA matter to food security and how the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA are addressed in the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, including what guidance the International Treaty offers in its Articles 5 and 6 regarding measures and activities to be undertaken to support the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA. The booklet also describes the four types of challenges and bottlenecks to the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA, including legal, policy and institutional challenges; technical and scientific issues; seed distribution and marketing of landraces and farmers’ crop varieties; and resource constraints. Finally, the booklet suggests how to improve current practices to safeguard our food security, with an emphasis on the responsibility of governments and institutions; the importance of public awareness, education and engagement; the role of science, research and innovation; and the need for resources. The booklet is designed to enhance understanding and awareness of the importance of PGRFA and increase the visibility of the International Treaty on PGRFA among the various stakeholders who work in crop conservation and use in their daily activities, such as agricultural researchers, gene bank personnel, breeders and farmers as well as other interested parties, including academia, the media and the general public.

Cite this content as:

FAO. 2023. Conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture – Safeguarding our food security. Rome.

https://doi.org/10.4060/cc9031en

Language English

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