Recognizing the special nature of agricultural biodiversity, its distinctive features and problems needing distinctive solutions,

Taking note of the Global System for the Conservation and Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture developed by member countries of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) through the FAO Commission on Plant Genetic Resources, and the recommendation for strengthening it expressed in chapter 14 of Agenda 21;

Recalling that Resolution 3 of the Nairobi Final Act of the Conference for the Adoption of the Agreed Text of the Convention on Biological Diversity recognized "the need to seek solutions to outstanding matters concerning plant genetic resources within the Global System for the Conservation and Use of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Sustainable Agriculture, in particular (a) access to ex-situ collections not acquired in accordance with this Convention; and (b) the question of farmers' rights",

1. Considers that the outstanding matters should be resolved as soon as possible;

2. Declares its support for the process engaged in the FAO Commission on Plant Genetic Resources to comply with these recommendations, especially through:

(1) The implementation of FAO Conference Resolution 7/93 for the adaptation of the International Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources, in harmony with the Convention of Biological Diversity;

(2) Convening the Fourth International Technical Conference on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture through which two important elements of the Global System, the first State of the World report on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and the first Global Plan of Action for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, are being developed through a country-driven process.