Code of Conduct on Biotechnology as it relates to Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
In 1991, the CGRFA requested the preparation of a draft Code of Conduct on Biotechnology, with the aim of maximizing the positive effects, and minimizing the possible negative effects, of biotechnology. The draft Code of Conduct on Biotechnology, was drawn up following a survey of over 400 international experts from the scientific community and members of the civil society. It contained five modules:
- a) biosafety and other environmental concerns;
- b) intellectual property rights and farmers rights;
- c) appropriate biotechnology for developing countries;
- d) minimizing the possible negative effects of biotechnology; and
- e) monitoring.
In 1993, noting that the Convention on Biological Diversity was considering the development of a Biosafety Protocol, the CGRFA recommended that the biosafety component of the draft Code of Conduct for Biotechnology be forwarded to it , as an input to this work. Meanwhile, the CGRFA postponed further work on the draft Code of Conduct till the completion of the negotiations for the revision of the International Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources, which concluded in 2001. The CGRFA was kept informed by the Secretariat on the recent advancements in the field of plant and animal biotechnology. Work on the Code began again with a report on policy issues, gaps and duplications to the 2004 Tenth Session of the Commisison. The next session in 2006 will again discuss the draft Code of Conduct.
Relevant Documents
CGRFA-10/04/13
Progress in the Draft Code of Conduct on Biotechnology as it relates to genetic resources for food and agriculture: policy issues, gaps and duplications
CGRFA-9/02/18
The status of the draft Code of Conduct on Biotechnology as it relates to genetic resources for food and agriculture: report on surveys of FAO Members and stakeholders
CGRFA-9/02/18/Annex
Document CPGR/93/9:Towards an International Code of Conduct for Plant Biotechnology as it affects the conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources, with a Preliminary Draft International Code of Conduct on Plant Biotechnology as it affects the conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources
CPGR-6/95/15
Recent international developments of relevance to the draft Code of Conduct for Plant Biotechnology
CPGR/93/9
Towards an international Code of Conduct for Plant Biotechnology as it affects the conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources
CPGR/91/12
Biotechnology and plant genetic resources, and elements of a Code of Conduct for Biotechnology
CPGR/89/9
Implications of new biotechnologies for the International Undertaking
Background Study Paper No.19
The role of Law in realising the potential and avoiding the risks of modern biotechnology. Selected issues of relevance to food and agriculture
Background Study Paper No.17
Recent developments related to biotechnology that are relevant to the analysis of the survey on the Code of Conduct
Background Study Paper No.10
Recent developments in biotechnology as they relate to animal genetic resources for food and agriculture
Background Study Paper No.9
Recent developments in biotechnology as they relate to plant genetic resources for food and agriculture
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