Peru hosted the 11th Governing Body (GB11) of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), a key global forum for dialogue on seeds, biodiversity, and food security.
Beeld: © LAN Andes / LAN Andes
Peru Hosts GB11 of the ITPGRFA
Dutch Participation and Partnerships
The meeting brought together colleagues from the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LVVN), the Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands (CGN/WUR), and representatives of the public–private partnerships SeedNL and Plantum.
Visit to the International Potato Center (CIP)
As part of GB11, Agricultural Counsellor Léontine Crisson MA deepened her understanding of Peru’s agrobiodiversity during a visit to the International Potato Center (CIP), together with seed-sector stakeholders including WorldVeg – WCA and Plantum. With the support of Stef de Haan and his team, participants gained insight into the conservation of the world’s largest and most important potato collection. The visit also highlighted the AguaPan project, a collaboration between CIP and private companies that supports Andean communities in preserving more than 1,000 native potato varieties.
Beeld: © LAN Andes / LAN Andes
Peru Hosts GB11 of the ITPGRFA
Engagement with Farming Communities
At the GB11 Expo, Ambassador Alexander Kofman, Agricultural Advisor Salvador Orrego, and Agricultural Counsellor Léontine Crisson MA engaged directly with farming communities responsible for the sustainable use and protection of plant genetic resources, including the Association of Guardians of Native Potatoes of Peru.
Beeld: © LAN Andes / LAN Andes
Peru Hosts GB11 of the ITPGRFA
Side Events and Knowledge Exchange
During the event, the Netherlands organized several side events to exchange views on international cooperation and the SeedNL working model, showcasing the positive impact of public–private collaboration in different countries.
High-Level Networking
The Ambassador hosted a reception at his residence, bringing together key actors in the field of genetic resources for food and agriculture, including CGIAR centers such as the International Potato Center (CIP), APESemillas, NLAndes, and representatives from the seed sector.
Peru Hosts GB11 of the ITPGRFA 
Peru Hosts GB11 of the ITPGRFA
Outcomes and The Netherlands’ Commitment
After intensive negotiations, GB11 achieved important agreements. Our colleague Kim Van Seeters chaired the working group on farmers’ rights, delivering concrete progress. While further steps are still needed on the Treaty’s Multilateral System—essential for access and benefit-sharing—the Netherlands reaffirms its strong commitment to the Treaty and its role as a global partner in strengthening sustainable agri-food systems through collaboration and knowledge sharing.
If you would like to learn more about (ITPGRFA), please contact the Agricultural Team of the Embassy: