Photo：Guenay Ulutuncok

From International Undertaking to International Treaty（IT）

The IT replaces the International Undertaking，a commitment to the conservation and use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture which had existed since 1983 in non-binding form under the FAO umbrella，and whose provisions had to be revised after the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity（CBD）. The IT now regulates a number of problem areas which have been controversial in recent years，including some omitted from the CBD drafting process as potential risks to its adoption. This specifically relates to Farmers’ Rights and the use of the extensive ex situ collections of plant genetic resources of national and international institutions and research centres. The centrepiece of the IT is the creation of a multilateral system intended to facilitate access to a range of crop plant genera and species. In addition，the IT sets out to regulate the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of the plant genetic material made available. The treaty will enter into binding force in international law 90 days after ratification by 40 states，probably in 2004/2005. Only then will a Governing Body of representatives from all member states begin to implement the treaty in concrete terms.

Plant genetic resources for food and agriculture are the basis for the world supply of food and for all breeding efforts. Free movement of germplasm is an essential prerequisite for the adaptation of crops to changing environmental conditions and market requirements. As most crop plants today are spread throughout the world，there is tremendous global interdependence with regard to these resources. Every country is dependent on secure access to suitable breeding