Resolution 2/2007 of the Governing Body of the International Treaty encourages Contracting Parties and relevant organisations to submit their views and experiences on the implementation of Farmers’ Rights, as set out in Article 9. This input paper is the contribution of the Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway, based on the results of its international Farmers’ Rights Project.
This paper summarises knowledge to date on views and experiences with the implementation of Farmers’ Rights globally, noting existing gaps and needs. After a brief introduction to the research and other activities of the Farmers’ Rights Project, the paper proceeds to views on the contents of Farmers’ Rights and experiences with their realisation to date. It further outlines various avenues towards systemic implementation of Farmers’ Rights according to needs and priorities at the national level. Finally, remaining gaps and needs are identified and recommendations for the Governing Body are presented. The paper starts out with a few words on why Farmers’ Rights matter.