Responding to the challenges of a changing world: The role of new plant varieties and high quality seed in agriculture

Proceedings of the Second World Seed Conference


Responding to the challenges of a changing world:
The role of new plant varieties and high quality
seed in agriculture

FAO Headquarters, Rome, September 8-10, 2009



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Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Rome 2009


ABSTRACT

Urgent government measures and increased public and private investment in the seed sector are required for the long term if agriculture is to meet the challenge of food security in the context of population growth and climate change.

Governments are strongly encouraged to implement a predictable, reliable, user friendly and affordable regulatory environment to ensure that farmers have access to high quality seed at a fair price. In particular, FAO member countries are urged to participate in the internationally harmonized systems of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), the International Treaty on Plant and Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) and the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA). Participation in those systems will facilitate the availability of germplasm, new plant varieties and high quality seed for the benefit of their farmers, without which their ability to respond to the challenges ahead will be substantially impaired. The conference emphasized the important role of both the public and the private sectors to meet the challenges ahead and the benefits when the two work together.



Table of Contents

Executive Summary
Welcome Address
Opening Address

   [201kb]
   

Session 1: The Role of Plant Breeding in meeting the Multiple Challenges of a Fast-Changing World
Session 2: The Importance of Plant Genetic Resources for Plant Breeding; Access and Benefit Sharing

  pdf [1.8Mb]
   

Session 3: Plant Variety Protection

   [3.6Mb]
   

Session 4: The Importance Of Quality Seed In Agriculture

   [2.1Mb]
   

Chapter 5: Facilitation of Trade And Market Development
Policy Forum

   [1.3Mb]



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