| Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC June 29, 2004 Plant Genetic Resources Treaty Enters into ForceThe United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources enters into force today after having been ratified by 55 governments. The United States signed the treaty in November 2002, but has postponed consideration of ratification pending the negotiation of a standard material transfer agreement. The treaty establishes a multilateral system for providing access to genetic material from a list of 35 major crops in exchange for sharing benefits in the event a product derived from the transferred material is commercialized. By facilitating access to plant genetic material and the equitable sharing of benefits, the treaty promotes sustainable agriculture and global food security and encourages farmers and plant breeders to develop new crop varieties adapted to specific agricultural and geographic conditions. A standard material transfer agreement is integral to the success of the treaty’s multilateral system. Until a standard agreement is adopted, transfers of plant genetic resources under the treaty’s provisions cannot occur. The Food and Agriculture Organization has delayed scheduling an Expert Group meeting to negotiate a material transfer agreement until it receives sufficient funding through voluntary contributions from governments. The U.S. Government, through the Department of Agriculture, has contributed $50,000 toward holding this meeting and has encouraged other governments to make contributions as well. For more information, please contact Megan Sowards, U.S. Department of State, (202) 647-1169 or sowardsml@state.gov. 2004/726
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