The Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture is the only permanent intergovernmental body that specifically addresses all components of biological diversity for food and agriculture. It aims to reach international consensus on policies for the sustainable use and conservation of genetic resources for food and agriculture and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from their use.

The Commission initiates, oversees and guides the preparation of global sectoral and cross-sectoral assessments of genetic resources for food and agriculture. The assessments address the state of biodiversity and genetic resources in the respective sectors, along with their uses, drivers that contribute to their erosion, and the challenges and opportunities involved in conserving and using them in a sustainable manner to contribute to food security and nutrition. The global assessments are prepared through participatory, country-driven processes.

In response to the main gaps and challenges identified in the global assessments, the Commission may decide to agree on policy responses, such as Global Plans of Action through which governments commit themselves to taking action to promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and genetic resources in the respective sector. Implementation of these policy instruments is monitored by countries through the Commission. The outcomes of this implementation are then reviewed as part of further global assessments undertaken at intervals of about ten years. 

Vision

Valuing and conserving biodiversity for food and agriculture and promoting its use in support of global food security and sustainable development, for present and future generations.

Mission

Cognizant that genetic resources for food and agriculture and other components of biodiversity of relevance to food and agriculture are a common concern of all countries, in that all countries depend on genetic resources for food and agriculture that originated elsewhere, the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Commission) strives to halt the loss of genetic resources for food and agriculture and other components of biodiversity of relevance to food and agriculture, and to ensure world food security and sustainable development by promoting their conservation and sustainable use, including exchange, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from their use.

Key Documents