24 September 2013: The Fifth Session of the Governing Body (GB5) of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGR) is convening to discuss, among others issues, the status of the implementation of the Treaty’s Multilateral System for Access and Benefit-sharing (MLS); the inclusion of additional key food crops; and the implementation of the Treaty’s funding strategy.

The event, being held from 24-28 September 2013, in Muscat, Oman, brings together over 450 delegates from nearly 100 countries. At the opening of the session, José Graziano da Silva, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), underscored his support for the expansion of the 64 key food crops currently listed under Annex 1 of the Treaty. Also at the opening session, regional representatives noted various other issues to be addressed at the meeting, including: farmers’ rights; the need for improved information exchange; resource mobilization; and the role of the Treaty in relation to food security and climate adaptability.

During the first two days of the meeting, delegates discussed, inter alia, sustainable use; the relationship between the Treaty and the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA); and terms of reference for the ad hoc advisory committee on benefit-sharing. Delegates also heard presentations on the intersessional committee meetings on the implementation of the MLS, the Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA) and implementation of the Funding Strategy.

Norway announced that it would provide USD$ 6.7 million in voluntary contributions towards the Benefit-sharing Fund. [ITPGR Press Release] [IISD RS Coverage of GB5]