28/05/2009The plant genetic diversity is the biological basis of food security and supports the livelihoods of every person on Earth. The conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) is essential to ensure agriculture production and meet environmental challenges and climate change.

FAO is preparing the second State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (SOW-PGRFA) that will provide a comprehensive overview on the status and trends of conservation and use of PGRFA focusing on changes that have occurred since 1996 when the first Report was prepared.
The preparation of the second SOW-PGRFA is done through a country driven and participatory process and chapters are based on country reports, thematic studies and relevant information. The preparation of country reports has provided an opportunity to engage or re-engage and stimulate the interests of a wide range of stakeholders to reflect on what has been accomplished and what remains to be done, and to see what adjustments are required to achieve the conservation, sustainable use and development of PGRFA. It also allows member countries to identifying the trends, priorities, gaps and needs in this sector and provides a sound basis for updating the rolling Global Plan of Action for the Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of PGRFA.
The first draft of the second SOW-PGRFA will be presented for review to the Fourth Session of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on PGRFA of the FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. The Session will be held at FAO headquarters, Rome on 15-17 July 2009.

The agenda of the Session is here.

Click here for the SOW-PGR preparation process.