Code of Conduct for Plant Germplasm Collecting and Transfer

The International Code of Conduct for Plant Germplasm Collecting and Transfer is an integral component of the Global System on Plant Genetic Resources. It was adopted by the FAO Conference in 1993 and aims to promote:

• the rational collection and sustainable use of genetic resources,
• prevent genetic erosion, and
• protect the interests of both donors and collectors of germplasm.

The Code is based on the principle of national sovereignty over plant genetic resources. It sets out standards and principles to request and/or to issue licences for collecting missions, provides guidelines for collectors, and extends responsibilities and obligations to the sponsors of missions, the curators of genebanks, and the users of genetic material. It calls for the participation of farmers and local institutions in collecting missions and proposes that users of germplasm share the benefits derived from the use of plant genetic resources with the host country and its farmers.

The Code is voluntary but with the adoption of the legally-binding International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (IT) in 2001, the status of the Code is expected to be reviewed by the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and/or the Governing body of the International Treaty.