The Third Intersessional Meeting of the Contact Group of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA) took place in Tehran, Iran, from 26-31 August 2000.

The ENB Summary and WWW page for this meeting is available here.

Updates on each day of consultations were posted here during the meeting.

Daily briefings and images from the meeting

Thursday, 31 August - On its final day, the Third Inter-sessional Contact Group met in two sessions to review progress made throughout the week and to discuss the steps necessary to conclude the revision of the International Undertaking. 

In-depth briefing: Click here for the full briefing note for 31 August 2000

Wednesday, 30 August - The Contact Group met in morning and evening sessions to continue consideration of Article 14 (Benefit-Sharing in the Multilateral System). In addition, a small group of negotiators met during the afternoon to resolve disagreements relating to Article 14.2(b)(iii), which addresses terms for access of and transfer to technology.

In-depth briefing: Click here for the full briefing note for 30 August 2000

Tuesday, 29 August - The Contact Group met in morning and afternoon sessions to continue consideration of Article 13 (Facilitated Access to Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture within the Multilateral System) and Article 14 (Benefit-Sharing in the Multilateral System).

In-depth briefing: Click here for the full briefing note for 29 August 2000

Monday, 28 August - The Contact Group met in morning and afternoon sessions to begin consideration of Article 13 (Facilitated Access to Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture within the Multilateral System). Delegates based their discussions on a proposal circulated prior to the meeting by a regional group of developed countries and proceeded provision by provision.

In-depth briefing: Click here for the full briefing note for 28 August 2000

Sunday, 27 August - The Contact Group met in morning and afternoon sessions to continue discussions on Article 14.2(d) (Commercial Benefit-sharing), specifically focusing on elements addressing private sector involvement in partnerships for research and technological development, and payment of a percentage of royalties derived from plant genetic resources accessed under the Multilateral System (PGRFA). 

In-depth briefing: Click here for the full briefing note for 27 August 2000

Saturday, 26 August - On the opening day of the meeting, regional groups presented proposals for a list of crops to be considered under Article 12 (Coverage of the Multilateral System). They then discussed  provisions relating to Article 14 (Benefit-sharing in the Multilateral System) regarding commercial benefit-sharing. 

In-depth briefing: Click here for the full briefing note for 26 August 2000

Background information on this meeting is available online at:

http://www.fao.org/ag/cgrfa/docscg3.htm