The genetic diversity of plants is at the service of nutrition

Switzerland participated in the session of the Governing Body of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, held in Rome, to promote agricultural and seed biodiversity.

On that occasion Alwin Kopše, head of the International Affairs and Food Systems Sector of the Federal Office of Agriculture, has been appointed president of the next session of the Treaty's governing body, which will be held at the end of 2025.

Plant genetic resources are essential for improving and developing new seeds and varieties for agriculture and food, which are in turn essential for addressing climate change.

For almost a century, however, we have been witnessing a decline in the genetic diversity of cultivated plants and their related wild plants.

The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, acronym ITPGRFA, adopted in 2001 and entered into force in 2004, constitutes an indispensable tool for promoting the diversity of plant genetic resources.

The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (in English)
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The global challenges of loss of soil fertility, biodiversity and climate change

Farmers and breeders rely on it to address global challenges related to the loss of soil fertility and biodiversity as well as adaptation to climate change.

It is also of crucial importance with a view to strengthening our food security.

A Swiss delegation led by FOAG participated in the session of the Treaty's governing body, held in Rome from 20 to 24 November 2023.

The Swiss Confederation has confirmed its commitment to guarantee a better mechanism for access and exchange of phytogenetic resources as well as an equitable distribution of the benefits deriving from their use, in order to support research and innovation in the field of seeds.

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Development of new adapted varieties as well as in the protection and promotion of farmers' rights

Alwin Kopše, deputy head of the Markets and International Affairs Management Unit, as well as head of the International Affairs and Food Systems Sector, has been appointed president of the next session of the governing body which will be held at the end of 2025.

The adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in December 2022 provides further impetus to support agricultural biodiversity.

The conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources is making an important contribution to achieving the objectives of this framework.

Switzerland continues to support the Treaty, its adaptation to developments in science and research as well as its ability to mobilize greater resources to support countries' commitment to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

Bern will also aim to encourage the development of new adapted varieties as well as the protection and promotion of farmers' rights.

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