International Developments
At a global level most activities in genetic resources are driven by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The FAO of the United Nations (UN) is one of the largest specialised agencies of the UN and is its main agency for agriculture fisheries, forestry and rural development. Ireland through the various bodies outlined in the sections below participates through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in collaborating in the global efforts to conserve genetic resources for food and agriculture.
The FAO's Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA) is a permanent inter-governmental forum set up to specifically address all issues relevant to the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources. The Commission aims to reach international consensus on areas of global interest. At present 168 countries and the European Union are members of the CGRFA.
For further information on how Ireland participates internationally in genetic resources see the weblinks below:
International Developments in Plant Genetic Resources
International Developments in Animal Genetic Resources