1. Introduction to the Global Consultations Conference on FARMERS’ RIGHTS
Regine Andersen, Senior Research Fellow
Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway
Global Consultations Conference on Farmers’ Rights Addis Ababa, 23–25 November 2010

2. Farmers’ Rights
Focus: Farmers’ Rights under the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA)
Farmers’ Rights related to crop genetic diversity
Farmers’ Rights are basically about
enabling farmers to continue conserving and developing crop genetic diversity
rewarding them for their contribution to the global genetic pool

3. Why farmers’ rights matter
Farmers are custodians of crop genetic diversity in situ on-farm
Whether they can continue to perform this task depends on legislation and policies
Thus, the implementation of the ITPGRFA objectives on conservation and sustainable use depends on Farmers’ Rights
Therefore, Farmers’ Rights are a corner stone of the Treaty...
... and vital for global and local food security as well as poverty alleviation

4. Farmers’ Rights in the Treaty
Recognition of the enormous contribution of farmers
Responsibility rests with governments
Elements:
Protection of traditional knowledge
The right to equitably participate in benefit sharing
The right to participate in decision making
The rights that farmers have to save, use, exchange and sell farm-saved seeds
Preamble and other Treaty articles are supportive
The Governing Body shall promote the full implementation and compliance (Art. 19 and 21)

5. Brief FR-consultation history
2006, GB1: Farmers’ Rights on the working agenda of the Governing Body
Informal international consultation on FR in Lusaka, Zambia, September 2007
2007, GB2: Report and input paper from Lusaka presented, and a resolution adopted
The ITPGRFA Secretariat collected views and experiences from countries & organizations
CGN and CTDT carried out an on-line conference: ’Options for Farmers’ Rights’

6. GB3, Tunis: Resolution 6/2009
CPs invited to review/adjust national measures affecting the realization of FR
CPs and other organizations encouraged to continue submitting views and experiences
The Secretariat requested to convene regional workshops on Farmers’ Rights, subject to availability of funds
The Secretariat requested to collect views and experiences, & reports of the regional workshops as basis for agenda item at GB4
Appreciation of involvement of farmers org.

7. The 2010 Global Consultations
Objectives: Implementation of Res 6/2009 on regional consultations, with the aims of sharing national experiences and identify gaps and needs at the national level.
Global consultations Phase 1: survey
Global consultations Phase 2: Conference
Report to be submitted to the Secretariat for GB4 as basis for agenda item on Farmers’ Rights. To be presented also at a side-event.

8. Conference programme Tuesday 23 November: Introduction
Sharing of experiences: national measures, achievements
Discussion of obstacles and options to the realization of Farmers’ Right
Wednesday 24 November:
Regional consultations (Africa, Asia with Near East, GRULAC, Europe with North America)
Sharing of experiences: national measures, achievements and challenges
Identify gaps and needs and provide recommendations

9. Conference Programme (cont.)
Thursday 25 November:
Findings and recommendations from the regional consultations – presentation
Analysis of the results: Similarities, differences, learning potentials
Joint recommendations to the Governing Body, (e.g. on how to realize FR at the national level and how the Governing Body can support the realization process)
Evaluation of the conference

10. Some words on language
Most participants are not native English speakers. Therefore, please:
try to speak slowly and use simple words.
do not use too many abbreviations
don’t hesitate to take the floor if you are a participants who feel insecure in English: Your contribution is highly appreciated!
Thank you!