May 2016: Argentina, Chile and Tuvalu have acceded to the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGR), bringing the number of Parties to 140. In other ITPGR news, an online introductory course on the Treaty has been made available through the e-learning platform of the InforMEA Portal.

Argentina deposited its instrument of ratification on 13 May 2016. “Argentina will continue to seek the inclusion of a greater variety of crops and forages under the Treaty,” remarked the Permanent Representative of Argentina to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), Claudio J. Rozencwaig, upon the deposit of the instrument. Chilean Minister of Agriculture, Carlos Furche, highlighted ratification as another step in the country’s commitment towards protection and enhancement of its agrifood heritage and as an opportunity for the development of its agriculture sector. Tuvalu’s Minister for Natural Resources, Elisala Pita, acknowledged the technical assistance provided by FAO, the ITPGR Secretariat and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC).

In related news, an online introductory course on the ITPGR can now be accessed through the e-learning platform of the InforMEA Portal. It explains the basic concepts and objectives of the ITPGR, including: conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources; farmers’ rights; the Multilateral System of Access and Benefit-sharing; the Benefit-sharing Fund; and the structure and functioning of the Governing Body and subsidiary bodies. [ITPGR Press Release on Argentina’s Ratification] [ITPGR Press Release on Chile’s Ratification] [ITPGR Press Release on Tuvalu’s Ratification] [List of ITPGR Parties] [ITPGR Press Release on the online course] [InforMEA Introductory Course on the ITPGR]