Annual Report 2017

Automated DNA sequencers have brought down the cost and time needed to decode an organism’s genome. Expression arrays make it possible to see precisely which genes are active in which varieties under what conditions. Digital sensors can keep a watchful eye on growing plants, either in a greenhouse or in outdoor fields, and build up a detailed picture of how the plants respond to environmental conditions. Advanced computers can link this phenotypic data to genomic data.
All these technologies and others, such as precise genome editing, have made it possible for breeders to develop new varieties more rapidly and with a greater likelihood of success. That ought to translate to greater benefit sharing, but there is a problem.

The current system of ABS arose at a time when making use of agricultural biodiversity required breeders to obtain the living material, and that is what the system is about. The rise of new technologies means that much of what breeders need exists as disembodied information, for example the genetic sequence that codes for a particular trait. This kind of information, unlike the plant material from which it was derived, is easy to copy and transmit, and is not subject to benefit-sharing obligations.

The challenges are augmented by the fact that the capacity to commercially exploit these new technologies resides primarily in the global north (with some considerable exceptions among the BRIC* countries for example), and much of the genomic data is derived from genetic diversity that was developed in the global south. It is important to ensure that these new technologies are used to shrink, not expand, the technological divide between developed and developing countries.

Other impediments concern behaviour. At times agricultural biodiversity seems to look wistfully at biomedical science, where early agreements to make all information freely available greatly speeded up discovery and innovation. Digital data repositories analogous to genebanks have been suggested as a way to offer open access to data and to ensure that data are correctly linked to material. There is, unfortunately, a low level of mutual trust among the various actors, with developing countries especially concerned that they (and their farmers) will not receive a due share of the benefits.

A rethink of the current system of ABS is clearly in order. Rather than contribute to the benefit-sharing fund of the Plant Treaty after having developed a new variety, one suggestion is that plant breeders pay a subscription in advance, perhaps based on their global seed sales. Alternatively, countries could subscribe on behalf of their plant breeders, making payments based on seed sales within their borders. The subscription would give them access to the material and information about it. Norway voluntarily contributes 0.1% of seed sales to the Plant Treaty, and while Norway’s agreement says nothing about data, it does offer a precedent for a subscription system, and a possible way forward dealing with genomic information.

“The Plant Treaty and Nagoya Protocol meetings are buzzing with debates about ways to address this issue. It could take a very long time before all countries and stakeholders can agree on any new international norms,” Dr Michael Halewood, Head of Policy, Bioversity International says. “Meanwhile it is more important than ever to ensure that agricultural research organizations and farmers in developing countries are supported through training, technology transfer and partnerships to be able to use and benefit from genomic information.”  

A just system of access and benefit sharing is crucial if the world is to stand any chance of using agricultural biodiversity to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, for example by increasing the resilience of food production in the face of climate change. That will require new approaches, which will require the full participation of those who are developing and using the new technologies.

Contact:
Michael Halewood

^{* Brazil, Russia, India and China}

When it comes to the use of plant diversity, science is way ahead of policy. @BioversityInt took part in a deep analysis of the difficulties to guide policy regime changes to strengthen access and benefit sharing @CGIAR

New technologies in molecular biology are way ahead of policy when it comes to the access and benefit sharing of plant genetic resources @BioversityInt @CGIAR

This research is part of the CGIAR Genebank Platform and is supported by CGIAR Trust Fund donors
 

Mutual implementation of the Nagoya Protocol and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture