Success stories from the realization of farmers' rights related to plant genetic resources for food and agriculture

Farmers&rsquo; rights are a cornerstone in the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. This report presents a collection of success stories from the realisation of farmers&rsquo; rights as they are addressed in the International Treaty. Despite huge challenges ahead in implementing these rights, there are many examples of projects, legislation and policies which contribute to their realisation. The authors provide stories in this report which tell about achievements in different areas related to Farmers&rsquo; Rights, but common features may be discerned. Farmer-scientist collaboration, capacity building, community based approaches and participatory approaches are all elements that have proved to be central. <br /><br />Different approaches to develop better legislation and incentive structures for farmers&rsquo; rights are also important. The findings in this report suggest that NGOs and farmers organisations play an important role, and that networking can be very valuable. The report notes the link between farmers&rsquo; rights and development, and the importance of protecting these rights in order to ensure that what is left of agricultural biodiversity can be maintained, and to ensure the livelihoods of farmers throughout the world. The following groups of stories are included: success stories from the realisation of farmers&rsquo; rights to save, use, exchange and sell farm-saved seed success stories on traditional knowledge related to farmers&rsquo; rights success stories on benefit-sharing measures success stories on farmers&rsquo; participation in relevant decision-making.<br />