Scientists warn against accepting ‘one-sided deal’ at plant treaty meet, Pg11

Key Highlights:

• Scientists have cautioned against a "compromise proposal" at the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) meeting (GB11) in Lima, Peru.
• The proposal concerns the enhancement of the Multilateral System on Access and Benefit Sharing (MLS).
• Scientists allege the proposal favors big agri-businesses and tech corporations, urging India to reject it.
• The proposal includes a revised Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA), with payment rates to be approved at GB12.

Detailed Insights:

• The "compromise proposal" aims to enhance the functioning of the Multilateral System of Access and Benefit-sharing, including a revised SMTA.
• Critics argue the proposal allows multinational enterprises to monopolize the seed sector and control genetic resources of the Global South.
• An Ad Hoc Expert Group may be established to define the scope of expansion until the GB12 session.
• Developing countries' demands for mandatory payment schedules for genetic resource use have been deferred to GB12, maintaining the status quo of unhindered access for the North.
• The Scientists for Genetic Diversity expressed dismay at the Indian delegation's silence at GB11.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Multilateral System (MLS): A framework to facilitate access to plant genetic resources for food and agriculture and share the benefits arising from their use.
• Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA): A contract that governs the terms and conditions for accessing and using plant genetic resources within the MLS.
• Global South: Refers to countries in Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania that are often characterized by lower income, political instability, and dependence on industrialized nations.