The Eighteenth Regular Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture will open on
27 September 2021 at 10:00 a.m. CEST (UTC+2) as a virtual meeting and will end on 1 October 2021.
This page provides daily summaries of proceedings at the Eighteenth Regular Session.
To read the pre-session documents please click here
All coverage
The Commission
The Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture is the only permanent intergovernmental body that specifically addresses biological diversity for food and agriculture. It aims to reach international consensus on policies for the sustainable use and conservation of genetic resources for food and agriculture and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from their use. Please click here for further information on the role of the Commission.
Key issues for the Eighteenth Regular Session of the Commission
Key issues to be addressed by delegates include the following (see the Provisional Annotated Agenda and Timetable for more detailed information and click here to see all the documentation for the session):
- the role of biodiversity for food and agriculture for food security, nutrition and human health;
- the role of genetic resources for food and agriculture in mitigation of and adaptation to climate change;
- access and benefit-sharing for genetic resources for food and agriculture, including a review of the report of the Fifth Session of the Team of Technical and Legal Experts on Access and Benefit-sharing and a review of the Commission’s past and future work on access and benefit-sharing for genetic resources for food and agriculture;
- “digital sequence information” on genetic resources for food and agriculture;
- a review of work on biotechnologies for the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources for food and agriculture;
- biodiversity for food and agriculture, including a review of the report of the Second Meeting of the Group of National Focal Points on Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture and a review of the draft needs and possible actions developed in response to the report on The State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture;
- aquatic genetic resources, including a presentation of the report on The State of the World’s Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, a review of the report of the Third Session of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, and a review of the Draft Global Plan of Action for the Conservation, Sustainable Use and Development of Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture developed in response to the report
- forest genetic resources, including a review of the report of the Sixth Session of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Forest Genetic Resources, a review of the implementation of the Global Plan of Action for the Conservation, Sustainable Use and Development of Forest Genetic Resources, and a review of the status of preparation of The Second Report on the State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources;
- animal genetic resources, including a review of the report of the Eleventh Session of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and a review of the implementation of the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources;
- micro-organism and invertebrate genetic resources, including a review of the state of sustainable use and conservation of invertebrate pollinators, including honey bees, and of invertebrate and microbial biological control agents and microbial biostimulants, a review how the Commission’s work on these functional groups should be advanced, and a general review of the Commission’s work on micro-organism and invertebrate genetic resources;
- plant genetic resources, including a review of the report of the Tenth Session of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, a review of the implementation of the Second Global Plan of Action for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, a review of the effects of seed policies, laws and regulations, and a review of the status of preparation of The Third Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture;
- future organization of the Commission’s work;
- developments in other fora; and
- cooperation with international instruments and organizations.
Special event
A special event on “Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture and the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework” took place on Tuesday 21 September 2021. The morning session was devoted to a discussion on the theme of “The new global landscape for biodiversity – exploring synergies and shaping the way forward” and the afternoon session to “Roundtables: implementing the new global landscape for biodiversity”, the first roundtable addressing “Governance of mainstreaming biodiversity” and the second addressing “Stakeholder action on biodiversity”. Participants at the special event highlighted the importance of galvanizing efforts at all levels to bend the curve of biodiversity loss, establishing specific post-2020 biodiversity framework targets and policy instruments for mainstreaming biodiversity across the agrifood sector, and building partnerships for implementation.
Regional consultations
Regional consultations for delegates took place, in virtual form, on 22 September. Virtual breakout rooms will also be available for regional consultations during the Eighteenth Regular Session of the Commission. The breakout rooms will be open for regional consultations between 27 September and 1 October before the start of the Session (8:00–10:00h), ii) during the lunch break (13:00–14:30h), and iii) immediately after the Session (17:30–19:30h).
Guidelines for the virtual session
Participants are reminded of the guidelines for virtual sessions, as given in the information note for participants.
The Eighteenth Regular Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture opened, in virtual form, on 27 September 2021 at 10.00 Central European Summer Time.
The following issues were discussed:
- the role of biodiversity for food and agriculture for food security, nutrition and human health;
- the role of genetic resources for food and agriculture in mitigation of and adaptation to climate change;
- access and benefit-sharing for genetic resources for food and agriculture; and
“digital sequence information” on genetic resources for food and agriculture.
Opening
Mr François Pythoud, Chair of the Commission, opened the session and welcomed delegates and observers. Mr QU Dongyu, Director-General, FAO, Ms Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, Mr Kent Nnadozie, Secretary of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, and Ms Irene Hoffmann, Secretary of the Commission, gave opening remarks.
Mr François Pythoud, Chair of the Commission, opened the session and welcomed delegates and observers.
(Composite picture from left): FAO Director-General QU Dongyu; François Pythoud, Chairperson; Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity; Kent Nnadozie, Secretary of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture; Irene Hoffmann, CGRFA Secretariat. ©FAO.
Agenda item 1: Adoption of the agenda and timetable
The Commission adopted the agenda and timetable as given in documents CGRFA-18/21/1 and CGRFA-18/21/1 Add.1 Rev.2<.a>. It decided to consider Agenda Item 14 on developments in other fora immediately following Agenda Item 7 to allow for sufficient time for discussion of the draft Council Resolution (CGRFA-18/21/14 Rev.1, Appendix).
Regarding Agenda Item 18, Election of Chair, Vice-chairs and Rapporteur, the Chair announced that under this agenda item the Commission would also elect the Members of its intergovernmental technical working groups. Delegates were requested to have nominations ready by Wednesday evening.
Agenda item 2: The role of biodiversity for food and agriculture for food security, nutrition and human health
Delegates exchanged views on this agenda item, taking into consideration the document Biodiversity for food and agriculture for food security, nutrition and human health (CGRFA-18/21/2) and noted the document FAO activities on biodiversity for food and agriculture for food security, nutrition and human health (CGRFA-18/21/2/Inf.1). The Chair summarized the outcome of the discussion.
Agenda item 3: The role of genetic resources for food and agriculture in mitigation of and adaptation to climate change
Delegates exchanged views on the document Climate change and genetic resources for food and agriculture (CGRFA-18/21/3), taking note of the scoping study on The role of genetic resources for food and agriculture in climate change adaptation and mitigation (CGRFA-18/21/3/Inf.1), and the document FAO activities on climate change (CGRFA-18/21/3/Inf.2). The Chair summarized the outcome of the discussion.
Agenda item 4: Access and benefit-sharing for genetic resources for food and agriculture
Ms Nina Sæther (Norway), Co-Chair of the Fifth Session of the Team of Technical and Legal Experts on Access and Benefit-sharing, introduced the Report of the Fifth Session of the Team of Technical and Legal Experts on Access and Benefit-sharing (CGRFA-18/21/4.1).
Nina Sæther, Norway. ©FAO.
Delegates reviewed the Commission’s past work and discussed possible future work on access and benefit-sharing (ABS) for genetic resources for food and agriculture, considering the document Access and benefit-sharing for genetic resources for food and agriculture: Review and outlook (CGRFA-17/19/4.2). The Commission took note of the Survey of access and benefit-sharing country measures accommodating the distinctive features of genetic resources for food and agriculture and associated traditional knowledge (Background Study Paper No.70) and of the document Inputs by Members on access and benefit-sharing for genetic resources for food and agriculture (CGRFA-18/21/4.2/Inf.1). The Chair summarized the outcomes of the discussion, noting that discussion of the question of inclusion of measures that address “digital sequence information” (CGRFA-17/19/4.2, paragraph 52 (i)) would be returned to after delegates had discussed Agenda Item 5.
Agenda item 5: “Digital sequence information” on genetic resources for food and agriculture
The Commission considered the document “Digital sequence information” on genetic resources for food and agriculture – Innovation opportunities, challenges and implications (CGRFA-18/21/5). Delegates exchanged views on this agenda item. Discussions on this agenda item will resume on Tuesday morning.
Tuesday, 28 September 2021
After discussing agenda item 5, the Commission will discuss agenda items 6 and 7. Following agenda item 7, the Commission will discuss agenda item 14 and, as time allows, continue with agenda items 8, etc. A tentative timetable is given below.
Tentative timetable
A revised timetable, incorporating the above-mentioned amendment, is provided below.
| Tuesday, 28 September 2021 morning | |||
| 10:00-13:00 | 5 | “Digital sequence information” on genetic resources for food and agriculture | CGRFA-18/21/5 |
| 6 | Review of the work on biotechnologies for the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources for food and agriculture | CGRFA-18/21/6 | |
| 7 | Biodiversity | ||
| 7.1 Report of the Second Meeting of the Group of National Focal Points on Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture | CGRFA-18/21/7.1.1 CGRFA-18/21/7.1.2 | ||
| 7.2 Needs and possible actions in response to The State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture | CGRFA-18/21/7.2 | ||
| Tuesday, 28 September 2021 afternoon | |||
| 15:00-18:00 | 14 | Developments in other fora | CGRFA-17/19/14 |
| 8 | Aquatic genetic resources | ||
| 8.1 Presentation of The State of the World’s Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture | CGRFA-18/21/8.1 | ||
| 8.2 Report of the Third Session of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture | CGRFA-18/21/8.2 | ||
| 8.3 Draft Global Plan of Action for Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture | CGRFA-18/21/8.3 | ||
| 9 | Forest genetic resources (as time allows) | CGRFA-17/19/14 | |
On Tuesday 28 September 2021 the Eighteenth Regular Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture discussed the following agenda items:
- “digital sequence information” on genetic resources for food and agriculture;
- review of the work on biotechnologies for the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources for food and agriculture;
- biodiversity;
- developments in other fora;
- aquatic genetic resources;
- forest genetic resources.
 |  |
Agenda Item 5: “Digital sequence information” on genetic resources for food and agriculture
Delegates resumed their discussion of this agenda item. The Chair summarized the outcome of the discussion. Delegates agreed to the establishment of an open-ended drafting group, to be chaired by Ms Priya Bhanu (United States of America); the drafting group met during the lunch break to address outstanding issues related to Agenda Items 4 and 5 and will continue its deliberations during the lunch break today (Wednesday).
Agenda Item 6: Review of the work on biotechnologies for the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources for food and agriculture
Delegates exchanged views on this agenda item, considering the document Biotechnologies for the sustainable use and conservation of genetic resources for food and agriculture (CGRFA-18/21/6) and taking note of the document Recent developments in biotechnologies relevant to the characterization, sustainable use and conservation of genetic resources for food and agriculture (CGRFA-18/21/6/Inf.1).The Chair summarized the outcomes of the discussion.
Agenda Item 7: Biodiversity
Mr Jens Weibull (Sweden) and Mr Desterio Nyamongo (Kenya), Co-Chairs of the Second Meeting of the Group of National Focal Points on Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture, provided an overview of the outcomes of the Second Meeting. Delegates exchanged views on this agenda item, considering the reports of the first and second parts of the Second Meeting (CGRFA-18/21/7.1.1 and CGRFA-18/21/7.1) and the document Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture – Revised Draft Needs and Possible Actions (CGRFA-18/21/7.2) and taking note of the document Co-Chairs’ report on the informal consultations on Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture –Revised Draft Needs and Possible Actions (CGRFA-18/21/7.2/Inf.1). The Chair announced the establishment of an open-ended friends of the Chair group to further discuss this agenda item. The friends of the Chair convened in the evening for a first meeting and will continue their discussions today (Wednesday) during the lunch break.
 Desterio Nyamongo (Kenya). ©FAO. |  Jens Weibull (Sweden). ©FAO. |
Agenda Item 14: Developments in other fora
Delegates exchanged views on this agenda item, considering the document Commission linkages with the FAO Strategy on Mainstreaming Biodiversity across Agricultural Sectors and the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (CGRFA-18/21/14 Rev1). The Chair announced that, taking delegates’ interventions into account, he would revise the draft resolution presented in the Appendix to document CGRFA-18/21/14 Rev.1 for consideration by the Commission.
Agenda Item 8: Aquatic Genetic Resources
Delegates exchanged views on the document Finalization of The State of the World’s Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA-18/21/8.1). Mr Alexis Peña (Panama), Chair of the Third Session Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, introduced the report of the Working Group (CGRFA-18/21/8.2). Delegates exchanged views on the document Draft Global Plan of Action for the Conservation, Sustainable Use and Development of Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA-18/21/8.3), taking note of the documents containing inputs and comments received during regional workshops on the development of a global information system of farmed types of aquatic genetic resources (CGRFA-18/21/8.3/Inf.2; CGRFA-18/21/8.3/Inf.3; CGRFA-18/21/8.3/Inf.4; CGRFA-18/21/8.3/Inf.5; CGRFA-18/21/8.3/Inf.6), from the FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI) Advisory Working Group on Aquatic Genetic Resources and Technologies (CGRFA-18/21/8.3/Inf.7), COFI (CGRFA-18/21/8.3/Inf.8), from the COFI Sub-Committee on Aquaculture (CGRFA-18/21/8.3/Inf.9) and from Members and observers (CGRFA-18/1/8.3/Inf.10) and of the document Progress report on the development of a global information system for farmed types of aquatic genetic resources for food and agriculture (CGRFA-18/21/8.3/Inf.1). The Chair summarized the outcomes of the discussion.
Alexis Pena (Panama). ©FAO.
Agenda Item 9: Forest genetic resources
Mr Yongqi Zhen (China), Chair of the Sixth Session of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Forest Genetic Resources, introduced the report of the Working Group (CGRFA-18/21/9.1). Delegates exchanged views on the document Status of implementation of the Global Plan of Action for the Conservation, Sustainable Use and Development of Forest Genetic Resources (CGRFA-18/21/9.2), taking note of the document Development of a new global information system on forest genetic resources (CGRFA-18/21/9.2/Inf.1). Delegates exchanged views on the document Status of preparation of The Second Report on the State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources (CGRFA-18/21/9.3). Discussion of this agenda item will resume today (Wednesday).
Yongqi Zhen (China). ©FAO.
REMINDER
The regional groups are kindly reminded to finalize their nominations for the Intergovernmental Technical Working Groups by today (Wednesday) at 18:00 hours. Please share the nominations with the Commission Secretariat ([email protected]).
| Wednesday, 29 September 2021 morning | |||
| 10:00-13:00 | 9 | Forest genetic resources(continued) | |
| 10 | Animal genetic resources | ||
| 10.1 Report of the Eleventh Session of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture | CGRFA-18/21/10.1 | ||
| 110.2 Implementation of the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources | CGRFA-18/21/10.2 | ||
| 11 | Micro-organism and invertebrate genetic resources | ||
| 11.1 Pollinators, including honey bees | CGRFA-18/21/11.1 | ||
| 11.2 Biological control agents and bio-stimulant | CGRFA-18/21/11.2 | ||
| 11.3 Review of the work on micro-organism and invertebrate genetic resources | CGRFA-18/21/11.3 | ||
| 13:30-15:00 | Red Room: Drafting Group on DSI Green Room: Friends of the Chair on Item 7 | ||
| Wednesday, 29 September 2021 afternoon | |||
| 15:00-18:00 | |||
| 12 | Plant genetic resources | ||
| 12.1 Report of the Tenth Session of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture | CGRFA-18/21/12.1 | ||
| 12.2 Implementation of the Second Global Plan of Action for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture | CGRFA-18/21/12.2 | ||
| 12.3 Effects of seed policies, laws and regulations | CGRFA-18/21/12.3 | ||
| 12.4 Status of preparation of The Third Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture | CGRFA-18/21/12.4 | ||
On Wednesday 29 September the Eighteenth Regular Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture continued to discuss outstanding issues and considered the following agenda items:
forest genetic resources;
animal genetic resources;
micro-organism and invertebrate genetic resources; and
plant genetic resources.
 |  |
Agenda Item 9: Forest genetic resources
Delegates resumed discussion of this agenda item, further exchanging views on the Status of preparation of The Second Report on the State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources (CGRFA-18/21/9.3). The Chair summarized the outcomes of the discussion.
Agenda Item 10: Animal genetic resources
Mr Hongjie Yang (China), Chair of the Eleventh Session of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture introduced the report of the Working Group (CGRFA-18/21/10.1). Delegates exchanged views on the document Review of implementation of the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources (CGRFA-18/21/10.2), taking note of the documents Status of the development of the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (CGRFA-18/21/10.2/Inf.3), Synthesis progress report on the implementation of the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources – 2020 (CGRFA-18/21/10.2/Inf.5), Detailed analysis of the factors influencing the reporting of information in the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (CGRFA-18/21/10.2/Inf.4), Status and trends of animal genetic resources – 2020 (CGRFA-18/21/10.2/Inf.6), Revised draft practical guide on innovations in cryoconservation of animal genetic resources (CGRFA-18/21/10.2/Inf.1), Revised draft practical guide on genomic characterization of animal genetic resources (CGRFA-18/21/10.2/Inf.2). The Chair summarized the outcomes of the discussion.
Hongjie Yang (China). ©FAO.
Agenda Item 11: Micro-organism and invertebrate genetic resources
Delegates exchanged views on this agenda item, considering the documents Sustainable use and conservation of invertebrate pollinators, including honey bees (CGRFA-18/21/11.1), Sustainable use and conservation of microbial and invertebrate biological control agents, and biostimulants (CGRFA-18/21/11.2) and Review of the work on micro-organism and invertebrate genetic resources for food and agriculture (CGRFA-18/21/11.3) and taking note of the documents Draft study on sustainable use and conservation of microbial and invertebrate biological control agents, and biostimulants (CGRFA-18/21/11.2/Inf.1), Progress report on the implementation of the International Initiative for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Pollinators (CGRFA-18/21/11.3/Inf.1) and Progress report on the implementation of the International Initiative for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Soil Biodiversity (CGRFA-18/21/11.3/Inf.2). The Chair summarized the outcomes of the discussion.
Agenda Item 12: Plant genetic resources
Mr Godfrey Mwila (Zambia), Chair of the Tenth Session of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, introduced the report of the Working Group (CGRFA-18/21/12.1). Delegates exchanged views on the documents FAO activities in support of the implementation of the Second Global Plan of Action for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA-18/21/12.2), Effects of seed policies, laws and regulations (CGRFA-18/21/12.3) and Preparing The Third Report on the State of the World's Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA-18/21/12.4), taking note of the documents Report of the First International Multi-Stakeholder Symposium on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA-18/21/12.2/Inf.3), Draft Practical Guides for the Application of the Genebank Standards for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA-18/21/12.2/Inf.1), Strengthening cooperation among global information systems on plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (CGRFA-18/21/12.2/Inf.2), Impact of implementation of seed legislation on the diversity of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (CGRFA-18/21/12.3/Inf.1) and Preparation of Country Reports for the Third Report on the State of the World's Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA-18/21/12.4/Inf.1 Rev.1).
Godfrey Mwila (Zambia). ©FAO.
Outstanding issues
Agenda Items 4 and 5: Access and benefit-sharing for genetic resources for food and agriculture, and “Digital sequence information” on genetic resources for food and agriculture
The drafting group on Agenda Items 4.2 and 5 met during the lunch break and during the evening. Ms Priya Bhanu (United States of America), Chair of the drafting group, reported to delegates during the afternoon session on progress made.
Agenda Item 14: Developments in other fora
Delegates resumed their discussion of this agenda item and commenced consultations on the draft resolution (CGRFA-18/21/14 Rev.1), as revised in the light of the Commission’s discussions held on Tuesday.
Agenda Item 7: Biodiversity
The friends of the Chair group on Agenda Item 7 met during the lunch break. The Chair reported to delegates during the afternoon session on progress made. The Group will resume discussions today (Thursday) during the lunch break.
Tentative timetable
| Thursday, 30 September 2021 morning | |||
| 10:00-13:00 | 12 | Plant genetic resources(continued) | |
| 13 | Future organization of intersessional work | CGRFA-18/21/13 | |
| 15 | Cooperation with international instruments and organizations | CGRFA-18/21/15 | |
| 16 | Other business | ||
| 17 | Date and place of the Commission’s Nineteenth Regular Session | ||
| 14 | continued | ||
| 13:30-15:00 | Red Room: Drafting Group on DSI Green Room: Friend of the Chair on Item 7 | ||
| Thursday, 30 September 2021 afternoon | |||
| 15:00-18:00 | |||
| 18 | Election of Chair, Vice-Chairs and Rapporteur | ||
| All remaining issues (14, 4.2, 5, 7) | |||
On Thursday 30 September the Eighteenth Regular Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture continued to discuss outstanding issues and considered the following agenda items:
- plant genetic resources;
- future organization of intersessional work;
- cooperation with international instruments and organizations;
- any other business;
- date and place of the Commission’s Nineteenth Regular Session; and
- election of Chair, Vice-chairs and Rapporteur.
Agenda Item 12: Plant genetic resources
Delegates resumed their discussion of this agenda item and exchanged views on the document FAO activities in support of the implementation of the Second Global Plan of Action for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA-18/21/12.2). Delegates considered the Effects of seed policies, laws and regulations (CGRFA-18/21/12.3) based on a study on the Impact of implementation of seed legislation on diversity of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (CGRFA-18/21/12.3/Inf.1). The status of preparations of the 3rd report on plant genetic resources was discussed based on the document Preparing The Third Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA-18/21/12.4). Guidance for the preparation of country reports contributing to the 3rd report are contained in the document, Preparation of Country Reports for the Third Report on the State of the World's Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA-18/21/12.4/Inf.1 Rev.1). The Chair summarized the outcomes of the discussion.
Agenda Item 13: Future organization of intersessional work
Delegates exchanged views on this agenda item, considering the document Possible re-organization of the Commission’s future intersessional work (CGRFA-18/21/13). The Chair summarized the outcomes of the discussion.
Agenda Item 15: Cooperation with international instruments and organizations
The Chair invited international instruments and organizations to report on activities, programmes and policies relevant to the agenda items of this session. Subsequently, delegates exchanged views on the Commission’s cooperation with international instruments and organizations, based on the document Cooperation with international instruments and organizations (CGRFA-18/21/15) and taking note of the documents Submissions by international instruments and organizations on biodiversity for food and agriculture (CGRFA-18/21/15/Inf.1) and Collaboration with the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA-18/21/15/Inf.6) and of the additional reports received from the Convention on Biological Diversity (CGRFA-18/21/15/Inf.2), the Global Crop Diversity Trust (CGRFA-18/21/15/Inf.3), the CGIAR System Organization (CGRFA-18/21/15/Inf.4) and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA-18/21/15/Inf.5). The Chair summarized the outcomes of the discussion.
Agenda Item 17: Date and place of the Commission’s Nineteenth Regular Session
The Secretary indicated 24 to 28 July 2023 as a tentative date for the next regular session of the Commission.
Agenda Item 18: Election of Chair, Vice-chairs and Rapporteur
Ms Deidré A. Januarie (Namibia) was elected Chair of Commission. Mr Benoît Girard (Canada), Ms Neveen Abdel Fattah Hassan (Egypt), Ms Mariana Marshall Parra (Brazil), Ms Kim van Seeters (Netherlands), Mr William Wigmore (Cook Islands) and Mr Yang Hongjie (China) were elected as Vice-Chairs. Ms van Seeters was elected Rapporteur.
The Commission also elected the members of its intergovernmental technical working groups.
Deidré A. Januarie (Namibia). ©FAO.
Outstanding issues
Agenda Item 7: Biodiversity
The friends of the Chair group on Agenda Item 7 met during the lunch break. Ms Renata Negrelly (Brazil) reported to delegates during the afternoon session on progress made. Delegates resumed their discussion of this agenda item. The Chair summarized the outcomes of the discussion.
Agenda Items 4 and 5: Access and benefit-sharing for genetic resources for food and agriculture, and “Digital sequence information” on genetic resources for food and agriculture
The drafting group on Agenda Items 4.2 and 5 met during the lunch break. Ms Priya Bhanu (United States of America), Chair of the drafting group, reported to delegates during the afternoon session on progress made. Delegates resumed their discussion of these Agenda Items. The Chair summarized the outcomes of the discussion.
Agenda Item 14: Developments in other fora
Delegates agreed to resume their discussion of the draft resolution (CGRFA-18/21/14 Rev.1) this morning (Friday) at 11:00 a.m. (CEST).
Today, the report will be made available on the Commission’s website.
Tentative timetable
| Friday, 1 October 2021 morning | |||
| 11:00-13:00CG | 14CG | (continued) | CGRFA-18/21/1 |
| Friday, 1 October 2021 afternoon | |||
| 16:00 | 19 | Adoption of the ReportC | |
On Friday 1 October the Eighteenth Regular Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture discussed outstanding issues and adopted the report of the meeting.
Outstanding issues
Agenda Item 14: Developments in other fora
Agenda Item 13: Future organization of intersessional work
Delegates concluded their discussion of draft resolution (CGRFA-18/21/14 Rev.1).
Adoption of the report
The Raporteur, Mr Thanawat Tiensin (Thailand) presented the draft report. Delegates reviewed and revised the draft report and adopted the revised version.
Thanawat Tiensin (Thailand). ©FAO.
©FAO.
©FAO.