The eleventh regular session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA-11) was held from 11-15 June 2007, at the headquarters of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in Rome, Italy.

CGRFA-11 considered agenda items relating to the ongoing programmes of the Commission with regard to animal genetic resources (AnGR), plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA), and the draft code of conduct on biotechnology, as well as the establishment and implementation of the Commission’s multi-year programme of work (MYPOW). Outcomes included agreement on most of the major outputs and milestones of the MYPOW, which spans the next five regular sessions of the Commission. Delegates also agreed to forward to the International Technical Conference on AnGR, to be held in September 2007, in Interlaken, Switzerland, a draft Interlaken Declaration on AnGR and the elements of a Global Plan of Action for AnGR, incorporating Strategic Priorities for Action, with some parts of the text still bracketed.
An additional issue discussed included the need for improved international policies to conserve aquatic genetic resources and improve global food security. According to a paper prepared for the meeting by FAO’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, the rapid expansion of aquaculture and the over-exploitation of many fisheries have created conditions where “irresponsible” use of natural resources can result in adverse environmental and social impacts, conflicts and unsustainability.
CGRFA-11 was preceded by a special event on “Emerging Issues in the Management of Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture: Towards a Multi-Year Programme of Work,” which convened on 9 June 2007, also at FAO headquarters.
Links to further information
IISD RS coverage of the meeting and the special event
CGRFA’s webpage
FAO Press Release, 11 June, 2007