Context: The 20th meeting of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA-20) was recently held in Rome.
What is Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGFRA)?
- The Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGFRA) is the only permanent intergovernmental body addressing biodiversity for food and agriculture.
- It promotes the sustainable use of biodiversity to enhance food security, human well-being and economic development.
- It coordinates global policies on genetic resources and monitors their implementation.
- Members: 179 countries (India is also a member).
History
- It was initially established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1983 to address plant genetic resources (PGR).
- In 1995, the commission’s mandate was broadened to cover all components of biodiversity relevant to food and agriculture.