The FAO Global System
The International Code of Conduct for Plant Germplasm Collecting and Transfer
The International Code of Conduct for Plant Germplasm Collecting and Transfer provides a framework which governments may use in developing national regulations or formulating bilateral agreements for the collection of germplasm. Many countries have used the code in this way. The Code is in line and fully compatible with both the Convention on Biological Diversity and the International Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources. It provides guidelines for the requesting of permits by collectors and for the issuance of such permits by state authorities, and it sets out minimum responsibilities of collectors, sponsors, curators and users of collected germplasm, covering both the collecting and transfer of germplasm. The Code was negotiated by the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (while still the Commission on Plant Genetic Resources) and adopted by the 1993 FAO Conference as a voluntary instrument. It was agreed that the Code should be adapted to changing needs and circumstances, and updated or amended when appropriate through the Commission.
The International Code of Conduct for Plant Germplasm Collecting and Transfer is available online in English, French and Spanish.
For further information please contact Mr. Arturo J. Martinez, Service Chief, AGPS or N. Murthi Anishetty, Senior Officer, AGPS.
Go to the FAO Home Page.