Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
02ROME5323
2002-10-31 07:24:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Rome
Cable title:  

REPORT ON FAO COMMISSION ON GENETIC RESOURCES

Tags:  AORC EAGR SENV FAO 
pdf how-to read a cable
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 ROME 005323 

SIPDIS

USDA FOR ARS:PETER BRETTING, JUNE BLALOCK, FAS:LYNNE
REICH, DICK HUGHES, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY: DAVID
HEGWOOD
STATE FOR OES/ENV RICK DRISCOLL, L/OES K. YOUEL PAGE AND
UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE 02 ROME 05323 01 OF 05 310829Z
IO/EDA ROSE BERSTEIN SETH WINNICK AND EB/TPP KLEMM AND
MALIC
IO/S LAUREN FLEJZOR, GEORGE ABRAHAMS
USTR DARCI VETTER, MARK SLOAN
USAID FOR ROB BERTRAM AND JOSETTE LEWIS
USPTO FOR MARY CRITHARIS,LINDA LOURIE
NSC JOHN CLOUD,KEN PEEL
GENEVA ALSO FOR USTR
NAIROBI FOR UNEP

FROM FODAG

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC EAGR EAGR EAGR EAGR EAGR SENV FAO SENV AORC FAO SENV AORC FAO SENV AORC FAO SENV AORC FAO
SUBJECT: REPORT ON FAO COMMISSION ON GENETIC RESOURCES
FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

REF: ROME 3174

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 ROME 005323

SIPDIS

USDA FOR ARS:PETER BRETTING, JUNE BLALOCK, FAS:LYNNE
REICH, DICK HUGHES, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY: DAVID
HEGWOOD
STATE FOR OES/ENV RICK DRISCOLL, L/OES K. YOUEL PAGE AND
UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE 02 ROME 05323 01 OF 05 310829Z
IO/EDA ROSE BERSTEIN SETH WINNICK AND EB/TPP KLEMM AND
MALIC
IO/S LAUREN FLEJZOR, GEORGE ABRAHAMS
USTR DARCI VETTER, MARK SLOAN
USAID FOR ROB BERTRAM AND JOSETTE LEWIS
USPTO FOR MARY CRITHARIS,LINDA LOURIE
NSC JOHN CLOUD,KEN PEEL
GENEVA ALSO FOR USTR
NAIROBI FOR UNEP

FROM FODAG

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC EAGR EAGR EAGR EAGR EAGR SENV FAO SENV AORC FAO SENV AORC FAO SENV AORC FAO SENV AORC FAO
SUBJECT: REPORT ON FAO COMMISSION ON GENETIC RESOURCES
FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

REF: ROME 3174


1. (U) SUMMARY: THE NINTH SESSION OF THE UN FOOD AND
AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION (FAO) COMMISSION ON GENETIC
RESOURCES FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE MET OCTOBER 14-19,
CHAIRED BY ROB BERTRAM OF THE U.S. AGENCY FOR
INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. THE COMMISSION ENDORSED A
DRAFT MATERIAL TRANSFER AGREEMENT (MTA) FOR THE PLANT
GERMPLASM HELD IN TRUST BY THE INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL
RESEARCH CENTERS. THE MTA CONTAINS LANGUAGE ON VOLUNTARY
BENEFIT SHARING, BUT (DESPITE G-77 EFFORTS) NO LANGUAGE
ON THE NEED FOR SIGNATURES OR TRACKING. ON
BIOTECHNOLOGY, THE COMMISSION AGREED THAT THE FAO WOULD
STUDY WHERE THE ISSUES IN THE ORIGINAL CODE OF CONDUCT ON
UNCLASSIFIED


PAGE 03 ROME 05323 01 OF 05 310829Z
BIOTECHNOLOGY HAVE BEEN OVERTAKEN OR COVERED BY OTHER
BODIES. THE FAO REPORT ON GENETIC END USE RESTRICTION
TECHNOLOGY (GURTS) WILL BE SENT TO THE CONFERENCE OF THE
PARTIES OF THE CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY FOR
INFORMATION WITH U.S. COMMENTS APPENDED. A NUMBER OF
COUNTRIES EXPRESSED DEEP CONCERN ABOUT THE IMPACT ON
DEVELOPING COUNTRY CROP BIODIVERSITY AS A RESULT OF THE
INADVERTENT PLANTING OF BIOTECH ENGINEERED SEEDS INTENDED
AS FOOD AID. THE FAO SECRETARIAT STATED THAT IT WAS
"ADVISING COUNTRIES TO MILL FOOD AID RECEIVED IN SEED
FORM ON ENVIRONMENTAL AND NUTRITIONAL GROUNDS." THE
COMMISSION CONTINUES TO BE A HIGHLY POLITICIZED BODY ON
WHICH THE U.S. NEEDS TO KEEP CLOSE TABS, FROM A TECHNICAL
AS WELL AS POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE. END SUMMARY.


2. (U) THE FAO COMMISSION ON GENETIC RESOURCES FOR FOOD
AND AGRICULTURE (CGRFA) MET OCTOBER 14-19, 2002 IN ROME.
U.S. DELEGATE ROB BERTRAM, CHIEF, POLICY AND MULTILATERAL
PROGRAMS DIVISION, OFFICE OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD
SECURITY, U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
CHAIRED THE SESSION. THE SESSION MET DIRECTLY AFTER THE
FIRST SESSION OF INTERIM COMMITTEE FOR THE TREATY ON
GENETIC RESOURCES FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE (SEPTEL). THE
U.S. DELEGATION INCLUDED WANDA COLLINS (USDA/ARS),
HARVEY BLACKBURN (USDA/ARS) AND LUCY TAMLYN (FODAG).

ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES
--------------


3. (U) THE COMMISSION EMPHASIZED THE NEED TO COMPLETE
THE FIRST REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE WORLD'S ANIMAL
UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE 04 ROME 05323 01 OF 05 310829Z
GENETIC RESOURCES BY 2006 (AN ACTIVITY WHICH HAS BEEN
HELD UP BY LACK OF RESOURCES.) CALLS FOR THE COMMISSION
TO TAKE UP A NEW INTERNATIONAL BINDING TREATY ON ANIMAL
GENETIC RESOURCES DID NOT REPRESENT A BROAD CONSENSUS AND
WERE DEFLECTED. THE REPORT STATES THAT THE ISSUE IS LEFT
OPEN FOR "FUTURE SESSIONS OF THE COMMISSION." THE U.S.
WAS RE-ELECTED TO THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL TECHNICAL WORKING
GROUP ON ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES.

PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
-------------- ---


4. (U) COMMISSION MEMBERS PROPOSED WAYS TO IMPROVE
IMPLEMENTING AND MONITORING OF THE GLOBAL PLAN OF ACTION
FOR THE CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE UTILIZATION OF PLANT
GENETIC RESOURCES FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, BUT AGREED
THAT IT WAS PREMATURE TO REVISE THE PLAN. U.S. AND
CANADA QUESTIONED THE NEED TO INCLUDE BIOSAFETY AND
BIOSECURITY AS A PRIORITY IN THE SECOND "STATE OF THE
WORLD'S PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE"
REPORT, PARTICULARLY IN VIEW OF THE POTENTIAL OVERLAP
WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. OTHER DELEGATES, SUCH AS CUBA

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED PTO1523

PAGE 01 ROME 05323 02 OF 05 310829Z
ACTION OES-01

INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AF-00 AID-00 CIAE-00 INL-00 USNW-00
DOEE-00 WHA-00 SRPP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 UTED-00 FDRE-01
TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 AC-01 NSAE-00 NSCE-00 OIC-02
CAEX-01 PER-00 ACE-00 SS-00 STR-00 TEST-00 EPAE-00
ECA-00 SAS-00 /006W
-------------- 012ED3 310829Z /38
R 310724Z OCT 02
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 6670
INFO USDA FAS WASHDC 2378
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
AMEMBASSY NAIROBI
AMEMBASSY PRETORIA
AMEMBASSY HARARE
AMEMBASSY MAPUTO
AMEMBASSY LUSAKA
USEU BRUSSELS 2900
AMEMBASSY MEXICO
AMEMBASSY BOGOTA

UNCLAS SECTION 02 OF 05 ROME 005323

SIPDIS

USDA FOR ARS:PETER BRETTING, JUNE BLALOCK, FAS:LYNNE
REICH, DICK HUGHES, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY: DAVID
HEGWOOD
STATE FOR OES/ENV RICK DRISCOLL, L/OES K. YOUEL PAGE AND
UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE 02 ROME 05323 02 OF 05 310829Z
IO/EDA ROSE BERSTEIN SETH WINNICK AND EB/TPP KLEMM AND
MALIC
IO/S LAUREN FLEJZOR, GEORGE ABRAHAMS
USTR DARCI VETTER, MARK SLOAN
USAID FOR ROB BERTRAM AND JOSETTE LEWIS
USPTO FOR MARY CRITHARIS,LINDA LOURIE
NSC JOHN CLOUD,KEN PEEL
GENEVA ALSO FOR USTR
NAIROBI FOR UNEP

FROM FODAG

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC EAGR EAGR EAGR EAGR EAGR SENV FAO SENV AORC FAO SENV AORC FAO SENV AORC FAO SENV AORC FAO
SUBJECT: REPORT ON FAO COMMISSION ON GENETIC RESOURCES
FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

AND ANGOLA, STRONGLY SUPPORTED THE INCLUSION OF
BIOSAFETY, NOTING AS AN EXAMPLE THE ALLEGED PROBLEMS
CAUSED BY THE INTRODUCTION OF BIOTECH ENGINEERED FOOD AID
(IN SEED FORM) AND ITS POSSIBLE IMPACT ON BIODIVERSITY.


5. (U) AN AMBITIOUS FAO PROGRAM FOR FUNDING THE GLOBAL
PLAN OF ACTION, ENTITLED THE "FACILITATING MECHANISM"
RECEIVED A TEPID WELCOME. DONORS (PARTICULARLY EU
COUNTRIES) FELT THAT THE FAO HAD MOVED TOO FAST TO CREATE
A FUND-RAISING MECHANISM WITHOUT CONSULTING ADEQUATELY
WITH POTENTIAL DONORS ON THE LIKELIHOOD OF RAISING SUCH
FUNDS. EU MEMBERS ALSO NOTED WITH CONCERN THE
POSSIBILITY OF OVERLAP WITH THE FUNDING STRATEGY OF THE
INTERNATIONAL TREATY.
UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE 03 ROME 05323 02 OF 05 310829Z

EX SITU COLLECTIONS OF PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES HELD BY
THE INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTERS (IARCS)
OF THE CONSULTATIVE GROUP ON INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL
RESEARCH (CGIAR) AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL COLLECTIONS
-------------- --------------


6. (U) DISCUSSION UNDER THE AGENDA ITEM ON EX SITU
COLLECTIONS INCLUDED ALLEGATIONS OF INAPPROPRIATE
GRANTING OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS ON MATERIALS
ORIGINATING FROM THE IARCS. G-77 COUNTRIES MOST
FREQUENTLY CITED THE "ENOLA BEAN" PATENT CASE IN THIS
REGARD. THE CGIAR REPRESENTATIVE NOTED 1) THE MATERIAL
HAD NOT ORIGINATED IN THE IARC'S "IN-TRUST" COLLECTIONS
AND THAT 2) THE LEGAL CASE BROUGHT BY IARC CIAT
(COLOMBIA) "MAY BE EFFECTIVE IN BLOCKING THE PATENT."
CITING RECENT REPORTS ON MEXICAN MAIZE, A NUMBER OF
COUNTRIES EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF
"GENE FLOW" FROM TRANSGENIC CROPS AND REQUESTED THE IARCS
TO TAKE STRONGER MEASURES TO PROTECT THEIR COLLECTIONS
FROM "CONTAMINATION." (COMMENT: THE FAO DOCUMENT ON THIS
MATTER STATED THAT IARC CIMMYT (MEXICO) HAD CONFIRMED
THAT THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF TRANSGENES IN THE CIMMYT
MAIZE COLLECTION AND THAT STATEMENTS TO THE CONTRARY WERE
"NOT BASED ON RELIABLE FACTS." END COMMENT.)

RENEWAL OF THE AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE IARCS AND THE FAO
-------------- --------------


7. (U) THE RENEWAL OF AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE IARCS AND
THE FAO PLACING COLLECTIONS OF PLANT GERMPLASM UNDER THE
UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE 04 ROME 05323 02 OF 05 310829Z
AUSPICES OF THE FAO WAS THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL ITEM OF
THE COMMISSION SESSION, INVOLVING CLOSE TO THREE FULL
DAYS OF NEGOTIATIONS. THE G-77 -- HAVING JUST AGREED IN
THE INTERIM COMMITTEE TO SET UP AN EXPERT GROUP TO MAKE
PROPOSALS CONCERNING THE MATERIAL TRANSFER AGREEMENT --
PROCEEDED TO ATTEMPT TO PREJUDGE THE OUTCOME OF THE GROUP
CONCERNING BENEFIT SHARING, THE NEED FOR SIGNATURES ON
THE MTA AND TRACKING OF MATERIAL RECEIVED FROM THE IARCS.
THE FINAL OUTCOME DOES INCLUDE BENEFIT SHARING
(VOLUNTARY) BUT NO MENTION OF SIGNATURES OR TRACKING.


8. (SBU) COMMENT: CANADA (WHICH WAS REPRESENTED IN THE
NEGOTIATION),SUBSEQUENTLY VOICED CONCERN TO USDEL THAT
THE BENEFIT SHARING PROVISION COULD BE A POOR PRECEDENT
FOR THE FUTURE TREATY MTA SINCE IT BROADENED THE BENEFIT
SHARING TO INCLUDE MORE THAN COMMERCIAL BENEFIT SHARING,
AND INCLUDED ASPECTS OF BENEFIT SHARING THAT ARE - PER
THE TREATY - STRICTLY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF STATE
PARTIES. HIS CONCERN IS THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS
BENEFIT SHARING LANGUAGE, (WHICH INCLUDES OPEN-ENDED
SUGGESTIONS FOR TECH TRANSFER, TRAINING, ETC),COULD
PLACE THE ONUS ON PRIVATE COMPANIES TO NEGOTIATE THESE

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED PTO1525

PAGE 01 ROME 05323 03 OF 05 310830Z
ACTION OES-01

INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AF-00 AID-00 CIAE-00 INL-00 USNW-00
DOEE-00 WHA-00 SRPP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 UTED-00 FDRE-01
TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 AC-01 NSAE-00 NSCE-00 OIC-02
CAEX-01 PER-00 ACE-00 SS-00 STR-00 TEST-00 EPAE-00
ECA-00 SAS-00 /006W
-------------- 012EE7 310830Z /38
R 310724Z OCT 02
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 6671
INFO USDA FAS WASHDC 2379
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
AMEMBASSY NAIROBI
AMEMBASSY PRETORIA
AMEMBASSY HARARE
AMEMBASSY MAPUTO
AMEMBASSY LUSAKA
USEU BRUSSELS 2901
AMEMBASSY MEXICO
AMEMBASSY BOGOTA

UNCLAS SECTION 03 OF 05 ROME 005323

SIPDIS

USDA FOR ARS:PETER BRETTING, JUNE BLALOCK, FAS:LYNNE
REICH, DICK HUGHES, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY: DAVID
HEGWOOD
STATE FOR OES/ENV RICK DRISCOLL, L/OES K. YOUEL PAGE AND
UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE 02 ROME 05323 03 OF 05 310830Z
IO/EDA ROSE BERSTEIN SETH WINNICK AND EB/TPP KLEMM AND
MALIC
IO/S LAUREN FLEJZOR, GEORGE ABRAHAMS
USTR DARCI VETTER, MARK SLOAN
USAID FOR ROB BERTRAM AND JOSETTE LEWIS
USPTO FOR MARY CRITHARIS,LINDA LOURIE
NSC JOHN CLOUD,KEN PEEL
GENEVA ALSO FOR USTR
NAIROBI FOR UNEP

FROM FODAG

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC EAGR EAGR EAGR EAGR EAGR SENV FAO SENV AORC FAO SENV AORC FAO SENV AORC FAO SENV AORC FAO
SUBJECT: REPORT ON FAO COMMISSION ON GENETIC RESOURCES
FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

ISSUES WITH THE PROVIDER OF GERMPLASM, WHEREAS THE GOAL
OF THE TREATY WAS TO ENSURE THAT THE PRIVATE SECTOR DID
NOT NEED TO NEGOTIATE ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS FOR
GERMPLASM (A LA CBD). ALTHOUGH THE COMMISSION REPORT
STATES THAT THE AMENDED MTA IS "WITHOUT PREJUDICE TO THE
DEVELOPMENT OF ANY MTA TO BE ADOPTED BY THE GOVERNING
BODY OF THE TREATY, THIS POINT NEEDS TO BE BORNE IN MIND
DURING THE EXPERT GROUP DISCUSSIONS OF THE TREATY MTA.
END COMMENT.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP ON PLANT
GENETIC RESOURCES FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
-------------- --------------

UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE 03 ROME 05323 03 OF 05 310830Z

9. (U) THE U.S. WAS RE-ELECTED TO THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL
TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP ON PGRFA. THE GROUP WILL HAVE A
FULL PLATE OF ISSUES, AS THE COMMISSION ASKED THAT IT
EXAMINE A NUMBER OF ISSUES, INCLUDING GUIDANCE ON
PREPARATION FOR THE NEXT REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE
WORLD'S GENETIC RESOURCES, STRENGTHENING THE GLOBAL PLAN
OF ACTION, ADVISING THE FACILITATING MECHANISM, AND THE
POSSIBLE NEED TO UPDATE ELEMENTS OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT
FOR PLANT GERMPLASM COLLECTING AND TRANSFER.

IN SITU CONSERVATION
--------------

10. A NUMBER OF MEMBERS EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT THE
PROPOSED FAO COLLABORATION ON "GLOBALLY IMPORTANT
INGENIOUS AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE SYSTEMS" COULD BE AN
INDIRECT MEANS OF SUPPORTING SUBSIDIES FOR DEVELOPED
COUNTRY AGRICULTURE AND SUBSIDIES. THESE CONCERNS ARE
EXPRESSED IN THE REPORT ALONG WITH A LUKEWARM ENDORSEMENT
OF THE PROJECT (FUNDED BY GEF, IMPLEMENTED BY UNDP).

FAO POLICIES AND PROGRAMS - THE BIOTECH DEBATE
-------------- -


11. THE U.S. STATEMENT UNDER THE AGENDA ITEM ON FAO
POLICIES AND PROGRAMS CALLED ATTENTION TO MISTAKES IN THE
FAO'S GLOSSARY ON BIOTECHNOLOGY AND IDENTIFIED THE FAO'S
ETHICS PROGRAMS AS A LOW PRIORITY. USDEL ALSO CALLED
UPON THE FAO TO SERVE AS A BETTER COMMUNICATOR AND
EDUCATOR ON BIOTECH ISSUES, AND CITED THE RECENTLY
RELEASED STATEMENT BY THE DIRECTOR GENERALS OF FAO AND
WHO AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF WFP CONCERNING BIOTECH
UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE 04 ROME 05323 03 OF 05 310830Z
ENGINEERED FOOD AID AS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF LEADING. USDEL
STRESSED THE NEED FOR FAO TO PROVIDE "SCIENCE-BASED"
ADVICE TO GOVERNMENT ON THE USE AND SAFETY OF BIOTECH
ENGINEERED FOOD. SOME DELEGATES (IRAN, MALAYSIA, AND
BURKINA FASO) SPOKE CAUTIOUSLY IN FAVOR OF THE FAO TAKING
A STRONGER ROLE IN ASSISTING DEVELOPING COUNTRIES WITH
BIOTECHNOLOGY. (COMMENT: A MEMBER OF THE FAO SECRETARIAT
APPROACHED USDEL AFTER THE INTERVENTION AND AGREED THAT
THE GLOSSARY CONTAINED SOME "BIASED" DEFINITIONS AND
INVITED THE U.S. TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NEXT REVISION OF
THE GLOSSARY. END COMMENT).

FAO DEFENDS ADVICE ON MILLING BIOTECH ENGINEERED FOOD AID
-------------- --------------


12. (U) OTHER COUNTRIES EXPRESSED CONCERN IN RELATION TO
THE IMPACT ON OF DISTRIBUTION OF "TRANSGENIC" FOOD
"WITHOUT PRIOR INFORMED CONSENT" AND THE "POSSIBLE
IMPLICATIONS TO IN SITU PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES." THE FAO
SECRETARIAT (JIM DARGIE, CHAIR OF THE INTERDEPARTMENTAL

SIPDIS
WORKING GROUP ON BIOTECHNOLOGY) STATED THAT THE FAO WAS
"ADVISING COUNTRIES TO MILL FOOD AID" BECAUSE OF

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED PTQ2176

PAGE 01 ROME 05323 04 OF 05 310830Z
ACTION OES-01

INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AF-00 AID-00 CIAE-00 INL-00 USNW-00
DOEE-00 WHA-00 SRPP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 UTED-00 FDRE-01
TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 AC-01 NSAE-00 NSCE-00 OIC-02
CAEX-01 PER-00 ACE-00 SS-00 STR-00 TEST-00 EPAE-00
ECA-00 SAS-00 /006W
-------------- 012EF6 310830Z /38
R 310724Z OCT 02
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 6672
INFO USDA FAS WASHDC 2380
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
AMEMBASSY NAIROBI
AMEMBASSY PRETORIA
AMEMBASSY HARARE
AMEMBASSY MAPUTO
AMEMBASSY LUSAKA
USEU BRUSSELS 2902
AMEMBASSY MEXICO
AMEMBASSY BOGOTA

UNCLAS SECTION 04 OF 05 ROME 005323

SIPDIS

USDA FOR ARS:PETER BRETTING, JUNE BLALOCK, FAS:LYNNE
REICH, DICK HUGHES, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY: DAVID
HEGWOOD
STATE FOR OES/ENV RICK DRISCOLL, L/OES K. YOUEL PAGE AND
UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE 02 ROME 05323 04 OF 05 310830Z
IO/EDA ROSE BERSTEIN SETH WINNICK AND EB/TPP KLEMM AND
MALIC
IO/S LAUREN FLEJZOR, GEORGE ABRAHAMS
USTR DARCI VETTER, MARK SLOAN
USAID FOR ROB BERTRAM AND JOSETTE LEWIS
USPTO FOR MARY CRITHARIS,LINDA LOURIE
NSC JOHN CLOUD,KEN PEEL
GENEVA ALSO FOR USTR
NAIROBI FOR UNEP

FROM FODAG

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC EAGR EAGR EAGR EAGR EAGR SENV FAO SENV AORC FAO SENV AORC FAO SENV AORC FAO SENV AORC FAO
SUBJECT: REPORT ON FAO COMMISSION ON GENETIC RESOURCES
FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS AND ALSO FOR THE OPPORTUNITY FOR
FORTIFICATION. DARGIE ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THERE WERE
ADDITIONAL COSTS, BUT MAINTAINED THAT THIS WAS "GOOD
ADVICE" AND THAT FAO NEEDED TO BE AN "HONEST BROKER." HE
NOTED THAT THE FAO ALSO ADVISED RECIPIENTS NOT TO PLANT
FOOD AID "AS THEY WILL BE DISAPPOINTED IN THE YIELD."

GLOBAL CONSERVATION TRUST
--------------

13. (U) UNDER REPORTS FROM OTHER INTERNATIONAL
ORGANIZATIONS, THE COMMISSION HEARD AN UPDATE ON THE
GLOBAL CONSERVATION TRUST (INTENDED TO PROVIDE, IN
PERPETUITY, A FLOW OF FUNDS FOR EX SITU CONSERVATION.) G-
77 MISTRUST OF THIS FUNDING MECHANISM AS AN ATTEMPT TO
UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE 03 ROME 05323 04 OF 05 310830Z
SUBVERT THE INTERNATIONAL TREATY'S "FUNDING STRATEGY" WAS
SOMEWHAT ASSUAGED BY ASSURANCES BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE
INTERNATIONAL PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES INSTITUTE (BASED
OUTSIDE OF ROME) THAT THE "OVERALL POLICY GUIDANCE TO THE
TRUST WOULD COME FROM THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE TREATY."

GENETIC END USE TECHNOLOGY AKA "TERMINATOR"
--------------


14. (U) THE COMMISSION DISCUSSED THE FAO'S LATEST
ATTEMPT (THE PREVIOUS ONE HAVING BEEN SENT BACK BY THE
INTERGOVERNMENTAL TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP ON PLANT
GENETIC RESOURCES) TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE ON GENETIC END USE
TECHNOLOGY (GURTS),FREQUENTLY CALLED "TERMINATOR
TECHNOLOGY." MOST DEVELOPING COUNTRY COMMISSION MEMBERS
(AND NORWAY) CONTINUE TO BELIEVE THAT GURTS IS A
"CONTRADICTION TO THE SPIRIT OF THE INTERNATIONAL
TREATY." USDEL STATED THAT THE REPORT WAS UNBALANCED AND
UNSCIENTIFIC. THE COMMISSION AGREED TO FORWARD THE
REPORT FOR INFORMATION TO THE CONFERENCE OF PARTIES OF
THE CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY. THE COMMISSION
INVITED THE USDEL TO SUBMIT COMMENTS WHICH WILL BE
APPENDED TO THE REPORT. THE COMMISSION REPORT ALSO NOTES
THAT THE TECHNOLOGY IN QUESTION IS CURRENTLY IN RESEARCH
AND DEVELOPMENT AND IS NOT YET COMMERCIALIZED.

CODES OF CONDUCT ON BIOTECHNOLOGY AND PLANT GERMPLASM
COLLECTING
-------------- --------------


15. (U) THE COMMISSION AGREED THAT THE CODE ON
UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE 04 ROME 05323 04 OF 05 310830Z
COLLECTING AND TRANSFER MIGHT STILL BE USEFUL IN SOME
CONTEXTS AND REQUESTED THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL TECHNICAL
WORKING GROUP TO CONSIDER THE CODE AND MAKE
RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE COMMISSION'S NEXT SESSION.


16. (U) CONCERNING THE CODE OF CONDUCT ON
BIOTECHNOLOGY, THE COMMISSION ENDORSED THE PROPOSAL (PUT
FORWARD BY THE EUROPEAN REGION) THAT THE FAO WOULD DO A
STUDY TO IDENTIFY WHAT HAS BEEN DONE IN OTHER FORA, AND
IDENTIFY WHAT REMAINS TO BE DONE, AND WHICH ISSUES WERE
RELEVANT TO THE COMMISSION. THE STUDY WILL BE CONSIDERED
AT THE NEXT COMMISSION SESSION. THE REPORT MAKES CLEAR
THAT THE NEXT STEP MIGHT BE A CODE, GUIDELINES, OR OTHER
COURSES OF ACTION.

COMMENT
--------------


17. (SBU) THE COMMISSION IS A LIGHTNING ROD FOR
POLARIZED VIEWS ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND
BIOTECHNOLOGY. NONETHELESS, MANY COMMENTATORS (FROM
OTHER DELEGATIONS AND THE SECRETARIAT) EXPRESSED THE VIEW

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED PTQ2177

PAGE 01 ROME 05323 05 OF 05 310830Z
ACTION OES-01

INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AF-00 AID-00 CIAE-00 INL-00 USNW-00
DOEE-00 WHA-00 SRPP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 UTED-00 FDRE-01
TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 AC-01 NSAE-00 NSCE-00 OIC-02
CAEX-01 PER-00 ACE-00 SS-00 STR-00 TEST-00 EPAE-00
ECA-00 SAS-00 /006W
-------------- 012F02 310830Z /38
R 310724Z OCT 02
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 6673
INFO USDA FAS WASHDC 2381
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
AMEMBASSY NAIROBI
AMEMBASSY PRETORIA
AMEMBASSY HARARE
AMEMBASSY MAPUTO
AMEMBASSY LUSAKA
USEU BRUSSELS 2903
AMEMBASSY MEXICO
AMEMBASSY BOGOTA

UNCLAS SECTION 05 OF 05 ROME 005323

SIPDIS

USDA FOR ARS:PETER BRETTING, JUNE BLALOCK, FAS:LYNNE
REICH, DICK HUGHES, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY: DAVID
HEGWOOD
STATE FOR OES/ENV RICK DRISCOLL, L/OES K. YOUEL PAGE AND
UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE 02 ROME 05323 05 OF 05 310830Z
IO/EDA ROSE BERSTEIN SETH WINNICK AND EB/TPP KLEMM AND
MALIC
IO/S LAUREN FLEJZOR, GEORGE ABRAHAMS
USTR DARCI VETTER, MARK SLOAN
USAID FOR ROB BERTRAM AND JOSETTE LEWIS
USPTO FOR MARY CRITHARIS,LINDA LOURIE
NSC JOHN CLOUD,KEN PEEL
GENEVA ALSO FOR USTR
NAIROBI FOR UNEP

FROM FODAG

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC EAGR EAGR EAGR EAGR EAGR SENV FAO SENV AORC FAO SENV AORC FAO SENV AORC FAO SENV AORC FAO
SUBJECT: REPORT ON FAO COMMISSION ON GENETIC RESOURCES
FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

TO USDEL THAT THIS SESSION HAD BEEN ONE OF THE MOST
AMICABLE IN COMMISSION HISTORY. THE FACT THAT THE
INTERNATIONAL TREATY IS BEHIND THE COMMISSION MAY ACCOUNT
FOR SOME OF THE PROGRESS. CERTAINLY THE EVEN-HANDED AND
CONFIDENCE-BUILDING CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE U.S. CHAIR WAS
WIDELY CREDITED WITH CREATING A FAVORABLE ATMOSPHERE.
THAT BEING SAID, IT MUST BE RECOGNIZED THAT MUCH OF
DEBATE IN THE COMMISSION IS ANTITHETICAL TO U.S. (AND
OTHER DEVELOPED COUNTRIES) INTERESTS IN THE AREA OF
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND BIOTECHNOLOGY. HERE,
MORE THAN IN ANY OTHER BODY, THE FAILURE OF THE FAO TO
MAINTAIN HIGH SCIENTIFIC STANDARDS IS ON DISPLAY (SEEN,
FOR EXAMPLE, IN THE SHODDY AND BIASED WORK IN THE GURTS
REPORT AND IN THE MISTAKE-RIDDEN BIOTECHNOLOGY GLOSSARY.)
UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE 03 ROME 05323 05 OF 05 310830Z
AS POLEMICS CAN LEAD TO ACTION (AS THE COMMISSION'S
RECENTLY COMPLETED TREATY ON GENETIC RESOURCES
DEMONSTRATES) IT IS A BODY ON WHICH THE U.S. NEEDS TO
KEEP CLOSE TABS FROM A TECHNICAL AS WELL AS POLITICAL
PERSPECTIVE. HALL

UNCLASSIFIED

>
2002ROME05323 - Classification: UNCLASSIFIED