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Parties to the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture will gather in Rome for their 20th meeting (CGRFA-20) on March 24, 2025. During the week-long meeting, they will discuss conserving plant and forest genetic resources, role of genetic diversity in climate adaptation and policies to strengthen global forest security.
Other than this, two major reports would also be released during the meeting.
The work of the commission is important considering that it is the only permanent intergovernmental body that addresses the components of biological diversity for food and agriculture.
This biodiversity is an important resource as a species and their variability make up our food system. The commission promotes sustainable use of biodiversity and its use for food security, human well-being and development.
It coordinates efforts on policies on the subject and monitors their implementation. The commission is part of the United Nation Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
The session will cover topics including strategies for conserving plant and forest genetic resources, role of genetic diversity in climate adaptation, policies to strengthen global forest security. Experts will also discuss sustainable farming and forestry practices, integrating genetic resources into agricultural policies and funding mechanisms for biodiversity conservation.
The Parties will launch two major reports during this session of the meeting.
The Third Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture will be launched on March 24 and the The Second Report on the State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources will be launched on March 26.
The event will feature expert panels on key findings, challenegs and strategies for conservation.
Genetic resources are the foundation of food security, biodiversity and sustainable agriculture. Climate change, deforestation, pests and diseases threaten both crop and forest diversity.
These reports will assess the current state of plant and forest genetic resources, highlighting conservation gaps and propose strategies for sustainable management.
The Plant Genetic Resources report will provide insights into global trends, conservation efforts and challenges in preserving crop diversity. It will also have case studies from different regions, showcasing successful seed-saving initiatives, modern breeding techniques and policy advancements.
The report will underscore the role of farmers, indigeneous communities and role of institutions in protecting agricultural biodiversity.
The Second Report on the State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources to evaluate the status of forest biodiversity worldwide will emphasise the importance of genetic diversity in sustainable forest management and climate adaptation.
The report will introduce a new global information system on forest genetic resources, which will help countries track and manage forest biodiversity more effectively.
The First Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (1996) provided a baseline assessment, stressing the need for seed banks, research collaborations and conservation policies. The Second Report (2010) documented progress but highlighted funding gaps and policy weaknesses.
The First Report on the State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources (2014) identified key challenges in forest conservation, including habitat loss, illegal logging and climate change. The second report builds on these findings, evaluating advancemets in conservation strategies and policy measures.