6.0 Recommendations arising from the workshop

The following recommendations were formulated following three days of discussion by the working group on the major issues and problems associated with plant breeding and application of biotechnology in the public sector in developing nations. It was recognised that both rural and urban societies, and national economies of the developing world, are largely reliant on the agricultural sector. Nations with weak agricultural sectors, and particularly those without or with only poor plant breeding support, are at a disadvantage in comparison with those that are able to provide their farmers with improved crop varieties and appropriate technologies. Strengthening infrastructure and building capacity represent cornerstones of policies aimed at addressing current shortcomings. Strengthening sustainable agriculture through plant breeding and the application of appropriate biotechnology is of primary importance. The recommendations made by the working group were differentiated on the basis of major stakeholder groups.

6.1 Recommendations to FAO

1. Increase awareness among all stakeholders of the strategic importance of sustainable crop improvement through plant breeding.
2. Encourage all stakeholders in plant breeding in developing and developed countries to increase awareness of the value and impact of plant breeding and application of appropriate biotechnology on development.
3. Take note of the momentum that has been created through the Convention on Biological Diversity, the IT on PGRFA and the Global Crop Diversity Fund, and establish a platform for strategic thinking in a systematic manner for future development of sustainable use of PGRFA. This would necessarily include plant breeding and the application of biotechnology.
4. Consider establishing a fund to support sustainable plant breeding, for crops that have not received due attention of plant breeders and crop scientists, including genetic enhancement, in countries and for programmes requiring support. Capacity building would be a key component.

6.2 Recommendations to the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA) and the governing body of the International Treaty on PGRFA

1. Promote discussion of the use of PGRFA through plant breeding as an essential extension to conservation efforts. The IT might assist in strengthening the mechanisms and modalities for capacity building and technology transfer to developing countries (article 13 of the IT) to enable them to realise the potential of the PGR of their own farmers’ varieties and the PGR made available through the multilateral system of the IT.
2. Encourage PGRFA users, particularly plant breeders, to contribute to CGRFA discussions and decision-making on sustainable use to complement efforts on conservation. Member countries of the CGRFA, where possible, should consider including specialists in sustainable use of PGRFA in their delegations to meetings of the Commission and IT Governing Body.
3. Give urgent consideration to capacity building and technology transfer to developing countries so that they are able to use PGRFA in plant breeding programmes and contribute to the sustainable development of agriculture and allied activities.
4. Consider establishing a fund to support sustainable plant breeding for crops that have not received the due attention of plant breeders and crop scientists, including genetic enhancement, in countries and for programmes requiring support. Capacity building would be a key component.

6.3 Recommendations to NARS

1. Improve priority setting, incorporating awareness of markets and consumption chains and the paths of scientific and technological innovation.
2. Play an increasingly active role in decision making, especially in connection with capacity building and the need to strengthen it.
3. Adopt a multi-disciplinary approach to plant breeding, including biotechnology where appropriate.
4. Attempt to develop a solid and stable infrastructural and financial national base to ensure sustainability of crop improvement.
5. Seek to develop improved linkages, including those with farmers and the private sector, particularly with the informal seed sector where possible.
6. Increase awareness of the strategic importance of sustainable crop improvement.
7. Monitor and evaluate the impacts of IPR/IP on the development and effectiveness of breeding so that adjustments to strategies can be made on an informed basis.

6.4 Recommendations to Donors

1. Listen to all parties and promote awareness with a view to supporting plant breeding and its enhancement in developing countries.
2. Exert influence in developing national bases of support.
3. Improve coordination among donors.
4. Support networks to enhance capacity of national programmes, including through mechanisms such as the facilitating mechanism of the Global Plan of Action.
5. Support efforts to facilitate merging and integration of conventional and advanced breeding strategies.
6. Contribute to initiatives that foster sustained funding and long-term support needed to carry out plant breeding.

6.5 Recommendations to the CGIAR

1. Review survey documentation and advise on interpretation and strategic investments in crop improvement.
2. Balance donor demands and the needs of NARS and continue to support plant breeding through conducting research and capacity building according to the needs of national programmes and national programme staff.
3. Monitor the impact of capacity building efforts with a view to maintaining focused programmes.
4. Encourage and support cooperation at regional and sub-regional levels, and enhance south-south linkages.
5. Coordinate efforts to facilitate merging and integration of conventional and advanced breeding strategies.
6. Provide leadership in transfer of tools and technologies to NARS.

6.6 Recommendations to Policy-makers

1. Recognise the continued importance of agriculture to the national economies of developing nations and to the livelihoods of the rural and urban populations therein.
2. Recognise the contribution of plant breeding to improved food security and income generation in developing nations.
3. Understand the long-term nature of plant breeding and the needs for sustained support to ensure its success.
4. Encourage multi-stakeholder participation in decision-making processes that support conservation and use of PGRFA.
5. Encourage highly professional debate, relying on specialised representation, in forums such as the IT, on plant breeding and stress its importance in maintaining livelihoods in developing nations.
6. Harmonise policies related to sustainable use of PGRFA including seed systems.
7. Examine and understand the linkages between sustainable use and conservation of PGRFA.
8. Assist in implementing appropriate forms of rights for the developers and users of plant varieties used in agriculture in developing nations.
9. Monitor and evaluate the impacts of IPR/IP on the development and effectiveness of breeding so that adjustments to strategies can be made on an informed basis.