Seed Processing

International Code of Conduct for Plant Germplasm Collecting and Transfer The International Code, adopted by the FAO Conference in 1993, provides a general framework for collecting and transfer of germplasm. It sets out the minimum responsibilities of collectors and curators regarding germplasm collecting and transfer. Although a voluntary instrument, the code is compatible with the CBD and serves as a reference for countries to establish their own regulations for germplasm collection and exchange (www.fao.org/ag/agp/agps/ pgr/icc/icce.htm). Germplasm Acquisition Agreements Article 15 of CBD stipulates that access to ( Seed Processing, Seed Cleaning, Stone separator, Combo Cleaner, Grading Machine, Gravity Separator  )

genetic resources shall be on mutually agreed terms and subject to prior informed consent. Prior informed consent means that the providing country can grant or refuse access to germplasm following a request from the applicant. Access is on mutually agreed terms when both the supplier and recipient agree. This usually implies a contractual arrangement executed on a bilateral basis, which often takes the form of germplasm acquisition agreement (GAA) setting out the terms on which the genetic material is acquired and transferred. 119 Manual of Seed Handling International Treaty and Multilateral System for Access and Benefit Sharing In 2001, the FAO Conference adopted the International Treaty on PGRFA, recognizing that: (i) agriculture in all countries depends largely on PGRFA that originated elsewhere; (ii) future advances in crop improvement require continued access ( Seed Processing, Seed Cleaning, Stone separator, Combo Cleaner, Grading Machine, Gravity Separator  )

to a wide genetic base without major restrictions; and (iii) a purely bilateral approach to access and benefit-sharing is not well suited to genetic resources of major food crops. The Treaty creates a Multilateral System for Access and Benefit Sharing covering 64 major crops and forages, and provides for facilitated access to genetic resources in the Multilateral System. The contracting parties are obliged to provide access for the purposes of food and agriculture research, breeding, and training when: • they are requested to do so by another party, a legal entity under the jurisdiction of a party, or by an international institute that has signed an agreement with the governing body; and • PGRFA have been acquired under these terms. By the terms of the Treaty, countries agree that prior informed consent is not required for access to a defined category of PGRFA, but that a set of mutually agreed-upon terms will apply. The standard material transfer agreement (SMTA) enables access to plant genetic resources and establishes benefit-sharing based on royalties levied on ( Seed Processing, Seed Cleaning, Stone separator, Combo Cleaner, Grading Machine, Gravity Separator  )

commercial products that use material obtained through the multilateral system. For more details, see www.fao.org/ag/cgrfa/itpgr.htm. CITES Permits The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between national governments that helps member countries control and monitor protected plant and animal populations. CITES regulates trade and exchange through permits and certificates. When importing samples of a species that is listed in the appendixes of CITES, a CITES import permit from the importing country and a CITES export permit from the country of origin must be obtained. The species covered by CITES are listed in three appendixes according to the degree of protection they ( Seed Processing, Seed Cleaning, Stone separator, Combo Cleaner, Grading Machine, Gravity Separator  )

need. 1. Appendix I lists species that are the most endangered. 2. Appendix II lists species that are not currently threatened but face extinction unless trade is closely controlled. 3. Appendix III is a list of species for which the cooperation of other countries is needed to prevent unsustainable or illegal exploitation. Seeds of Appendix II plants and seeds of artificially propagated hybrids of Appendix I plants are exempt from CITES controls. 120 Handbooks for Genebanks No. 8 Plants grown from exempt seeds are protected, however, and require CITES permits for import and export. The CITES-( Seed Processing, Seed Cleaning, Stone separator, Combo Cleaner, Grading Machine, Gravity Separator  )

listed species database, including the three appendixes and national focal points for permits and certificates, is available