(AGENPARL) – Wed 19 November 2025 FAO Media s[Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated]
Global Session of the International Plant Treaty
24–29 November 2025 | Lima Convention Center – Lima, Peru
The Eleventh Session of the Governing Body (GB-11) of the FAO International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture will take place in Lima, Peru, at the Lima Convention Center, from 24 to 29 November 2025, co-hosted by the Governments of Peru and Switzerland.
Held under the theme “Fostering Biodiversity and Food Security: Preserving Heritage, Cultivating a Shared Future”, GB-11 will bring together delegations from all 155 Contracting Parties, along with representatives of farmers’ organizations, civil society, the private sector, international organizations and observers.
The International Treaty works with farmers, plant breeders, and policymakers to save, share, and protect the seeds that feed the world. It supports the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their use. The Treaty also recognizes the vital contributions of smallholder farmers and Indigenous communities, whose knowledge and practices help safeguard the crop diversity essential to global agrifood systems.
A core component of the Treaty, the Multilateral System of access and benefit-sharing, enables the global, cooperative exchange of plant genetic resources and knowledge, ensuring these continue to support present and future generations. Strengthening this System is central to advancing global food security.
GB-11 Highlights
* First time in Latin America: Hosted in a region where major global crops — including maize, potatoes and tomatoes — originated.
* First time co-hosted session: Organized jointly by Peru and Switzerland.
Key policy decisions expected: Delegates will consider measures to enhance the Multilateral System and advance Farmers’ Rights.
Exhibition & Seed Fair: A dedicated exhibition by the National Institute of Agrarian Innovation (INIA) will run from 25 to 27 November at the venue.
The Governing Body meets every two years to review progress, set policy direction and take decisions for the next biennium. It is the highest global decision-making forum on matters related to PGRFA — the genetic foundation of the world’s food derived from plants.
GB-11 will be preceded by two days of regional and inter-regional consultations.
RESOURCES FOR THE MEDIA
* The webcast will be available on the GB-11 Website soon
* International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
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