Specialised regime on Access and Benefit-sharing (ABS) – implementation of the ITPGRFA

Since 2016, the Groupe d'Étude et de contrôle des Variétés Et des Semences (GEVES), the organization for variety testing and protection as well as seed certification in France, together with research and private sector partners, has initiated several measures for the implementation of Farmers’ Rights. GEVES is also responsible for the national coordination of plant genetic resources. Measures include participation of farmers in decision-making; recognition of ‘curators’ of plant genetic resources collections at national level; and establishing a national collection of PGRFA. Rules for the implementation of the ITPGRFA are laid down in Articles L.660-1 to L.660-4 of the Rural Code, stating that the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA are of ‘general interest’. Cultural aspect have been recognized as important elements of national collections, and detailed criteria for taking the contributions of farmers, gardeners and other stakeholders into account are currently being set up (July 2019). These stakeholders can apply by filling an application; expertise is also implicitly shown if farmers participate in breeding programs, programs for on-farm conservation or other similar activities. In addition, a national coordination body was set up and a sub-committee for the conservation of PGRFA created within the French Technical Plant Breeding Committee (CTPS).