ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that plant genetic resources (PGR) are conserved and are made as widely available as possible for the purposes of plant breeding, for the benefit of present and future generations. It aims to conserve and use PGR of economic and/or social interest, particularly for agriculture. The chapter focuses on cultivated varieties of plants, plants or varieties which have been in cultivation in the past, primitive versions of cultivated plants, wild relatives of such plants, and certain special genetic stocks. The Commission covers all components of biodiversity of relevance to food and agriculture. In the field of plant genetic resources, the Commission has developed a number of negotiated elements which form the Food and Agriculture Organization Global System of Plant Genetic Resources. The Commission can establish subsidiary intergovernmental working groups to assist it. There are working groups on animal and on plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.
