(AGENPARL) – Tue 18 March 2025 CGRFA-20: Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
📍 FAO Headquarters, Rome, Italy – 24–28 March 2025
The Twentieth Regular Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA-20) will convene at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) headquarters in Rome from 24 to 28 March 2025.
This session will bring together international experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss critical issues related to the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources in food and agriculture. As the only permanent intergovernmental body addressing all components of biodiversity for food and agriculture, the Commission plays a vital role in ensuring food security and promoting sustainable development worldwide.​
Biodiversity for food and agriculture is essential for sustainable and resilient agrifood systems. Genetic diversity provides the foundation for adapting crops, livestock, and ecosystems to changing environmental conditions, including climate change, pests, and diseases. Protecting and sustainably using these resources ensures long-term agricultural productivity and food security while preserving the natural ecosystems upon which they depend.
The session will feature the release of two significant publications:​
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The Third Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture: This report provides a comprehensive overview of the current status and trends of plant genetic resources, highlighting challenges and opportunities for their conservation and sustainable use. The launch is scheduled for 24 March 2025, from 13:15 to 14:45 (GMT+1) at the Sheikh Zayed Centre.​
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The Second Report on the State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources: This report assesses the state of forest genetic resources globally, emphasizing their importance for sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation. The launch is set for 26 March 2025, from 13:15 to 14:45 (GMT+1) at the Sheikh Zayed Centre.​
Several side events will address pertinent topics, including:​
* Action on Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture: Focusing on overcoming barriers to conservation and sustainable use, this event will take place on 25 March 2025, from 13:15 to 14:45 (GMT+1).​
* Challenges and Advantages with a Cross-Sectorial National Action Plan on GRFA – Spiced Up with Nordic Collaboration on Crop Wild Relatives and the Story of Kveik, the Vikings’ brew: Exploring cross-sectoral approaches and regional collaborations, this session will be held on 25 March 2025, from 13:15 to 14:45 (GMT+1).
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Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) for Healthy Diets and Improved Resilience: Exploring the potential of NUS in enhancing dietary diversity and resilience, this session is scheduled for 27 March 2025, from 13:15 to 14:45 (GMT+1).​
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Indigenous Peoples’ Food and Knowledge Systems as Game Changers in the Conservation of Genetic Diversity: Highlighting the role of Indigenous knowledge in preserving biodiversity, this session is scheduled for 27 March 2025, from 13:15 to 14:45 (GMT+1).
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The launch of “The Third Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture” will be webcast here.
The launch of “the Second Report on the State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources” will be webcast here.
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