Second Global Plan of Action for Plant Genetic Resources
 

Second Global Plan of Action
for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture


The Second Global Plan of Action for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Second GPA) is a strategic framework for the conservation and sustainable use of the plant genetic diversity on which food and agriculture depends. It was prepared under the aegis of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and adopted by FAO Council at its 143rd Session in November 2011.

The Second GPA reaffirms the commitment of governments to the promotion of plant genetic resources as an essential component for food security through sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change.

It is based on the findings of The Second Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and inputs from a series of regional consultations and experts worldwide. It updates the Global Plan of Action on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture that was adopted by member countries in 1996. Updating the rolling Global Plan of Action also strengthens its role in the implementation of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. The Second Global Plan of Action is thus current, forward looking and relevant to global, regional and national perspectives and priorities.

The Second GPA is an agreed set of Priority Activities that directly address the new developments, opportunities and challenges facing plant conservation and use in the 21st century. These include new policies and international agreements that affect conservation, use and exchange of genetic resources, shift in food production trends, changing roles of public and private sector in crop improvement and delivery systems, advances in biotechnology, genomics and information technologies, new products derived from agriculture, impact of new pests, climate change and rapid urbanization on plant genetic erosion and vulnerability. The priority activities of the Second GPA addresses these developments to ensure that plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) continue to be available for current and future use for food security and sustainable agriculture.

The Second GPA aims to:

  • Promote cost efficient and effective global efforts to conserve and sustainably use PGRFA
  • Link conservation with use for a greater use of plant germplasm
  • Strengthen crop improvement and seed systems to foster economic development
  • Create capacities, strengthen national programmes and widen partnerships for PGRFA management
  • Strengthen implementation of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

Second GPA

Synthetic Account of the Second GPA

Poster

Video

National Focal Points