Access to Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (AnGRFA)

There is more diversity in extensive smallholder production systems in the South. These systems use highly innovative breeding methods in customary, informal settings. This last characteristic means that the genetic information is accessible only in a local or regional context.

Access to genetic resources has been a leading question in the development of the international framework on Plant Genetic Resources for Agriculture. Accessibility vs. restriction of genetic information is a prominent argument in the debate on the patenting of agricultural resources. Access to genetic resources and benefit sharing are at the core of the recently adopted Nagoya Protocol. Lessons from these instruments are important. Yet, they cannot easily be transferred to AnGRFA, as they exhibit some relevant specific characteristics.

The project positions itself in the context of these international processes. The question is how the international legal and institutional framework needs to be shaped in order to foster maintenance of biological diversity of AnGRFA; assure access to the genetic resources in scenarios of climate change and make optimal use of new biotechnological methods, while maintaining and fostering traditional innovative processes.

What is needed is an innovative approach that includes instruments and procedures adapted to the needs of both the local users and the global interest. The objective of the research therefore is to define a set of rules, procedures, institutions and instruments to frame access to and exchange of traditional AnGRFA, while fostering their conservation and sustainable use.