> The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (International Treaty) is celebrating 15 years since it has been entered into force on June 29, 2004. Now boasting a membership of 146 Contracting Parties, including the European Union, the International Treaty has been acknowledged by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as one of the Organization's "top 10 achievements."
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> Since its entry-into-force in 2004, the International Treaty has become FAO's flagship work on agricultural biodiversity. The Treaty has brought together countries and partner organizations around the world to conserve and use the world's precious plant genetic resources sustainably, both in the form of seeds of plants that provide food and nutrition, and the vital information pertaining to seeds and other plant material. Contracting Parties and donors have expressed appreciation for the International Treaty's work to conserve these invaluable natural resources, particularly in developing countries and centers of crop biodiversity.
> Aside from its 15th anniversary, the year also marks the 8th biennial Session of the International Treaty's Governing Body (GB) that will take place in the FAO Headquarters in Rome on November 11-16. Over 700 delegates and stakeholders will attend the GB and make some critical decisions that will guide the future work of the International Treaty.
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> [www.fao.org]
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