Codes and Standards

The International Code of Conduct for Plant Germplasm Collecting and Transfer

The International Code of Conduct for Plant Germplasm Collecting and Transfer 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. Among other elements, it sets out minimum responsibilities of collectors, sponsors, curators and users of collected germplasm, in the collection and transfer of plant germplasm. The Code is addressed primarily to governments and is to be implemented in harmony with the Convention on Biological Diversity and other legal instruments protecting biological diversity or parts of it. The Code was adopted by the FAO Conference in 1993, and negotiated through the Commission, which also has the responsibility of overseeing its implementation and review.

Genebank Standards

In 1991, the Commission considered it essential that appropriate standards be developed for genebanks operating within the international network. The Commission requested the convening of a panel of technical experts, to work in collaboration with FAO and IBPGR (International Board for Plant Genetic Resources; now Bioversity International) to assess and, if necessary, redefine genebank standards. It also agreed that the standards should take into account the advances in seed storage technology and the requirements of seeds of wild species. The Genebank Standards contain description of seed storage conditions and standards for the exchange and distribution of seeds from active collections.
In 1993, the Genebank Standards were endorsed by the Commission.