15 June: Strengthening Farmer-led Seed Systems

poster small

-Free entrance
-Drinks and free snacks provided
-Live stream: wurtv.wur.nl

PROGRAMME:

19:00: Doors open, drinks, small seeds market, info stands
19.30h: Opening word by Edith van Walsum (ILEIA)
Video message by Vanaja Ramprasad (India)
19.45h: Presentation by Edith Lammerts van Bueren.
20.10h: Presentation by Ronnie Vernooy
20.35h: Presentation by Rene Groenen
21.00h: Final round of Q&A
21.15h: Drinks, snacks and small seeds market
22.15h: Building closes

A panel discussion. Farmers, especially women, have been the custodians of the world’s biodiversity through saving, using, exchanging and selling seed and propagating material. The rights of farmers to do this are a core component of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources, as well as their right to participate in decision making and in the sharing of benefits arising from the use of plant genetic resources.

However, only a small number of governments have established effective farmer-centred measures for the implementation of access and benefit sharing of genetic resources. Yet, there are various examples of successful farmer-led initiatives, some of which happen through a collaboration between researchers and farmers. What are the lessons of effective access and benefit sharing for family farmers?

In a panel discussion, some of the most innovative experiences will be presented and experts will share their perspectives. A special edition of Farming Matters magazine on this topic will be launched and made available to all participants. The magazine presents inspiring examples from Costa Rica, Brazil, Ecuador, Iran, India, the Netherlands, China and Zimbabwe, as well as expert perspectives on the challenges and possible solutions. Access the magazine here: http://bit.ly/1W6BFaU

At the panel discussion, professor Edith Lammerts van Bueren will talk about a unique collaborative model of potato breeding in the Netherlands. While there are other examples of collaborative relationships between farmers and breeders in Europe, the Dutch potato breeding model stands out in terms of its long track record, and the institutional integration of the relationship which up to today facilitates access to genetic materials and financial benefit sharing. The full story is published in the special issue of Farming Matters magazine that will be available at the event.

Speakers:
Edith Lammerts van Bueren (Louis Bolk Instituut)
René Groenen (farmer breeder at De Groenen Hof)
Ronnie Vernooy (Bioversity International)
Video message from Vanaja Ramprasad (Green Foundation, India)

Moderator: Robin Pistorius

Organised by:
ILEIA, Boerengroep, Louis Bolk Instituut, Bioversity International, A SEED