GATT, TRIPS, WTO and CBD – Relevance to Agriculture

Abstract

From the current perspective on ‘IPR and Agriculture’, there has to be a major discussion on global developments, negotiations and agreements on the role of intellectual property protection on the future of the agricultural sector, a vital segment for ensuring food security for the world population, particularly for developing countries where assuring food security is essential for their survival. Modern day intellectual property protection systems have their genesis in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) which was initiated in 1946. Currently, the provisions under several agreements are being implemented by the Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the sole administrative body responsible for all aspects of implementation, monitoring and resolution of disputes between the member countries. Apart from the separate Agreement on Agriculture (AOA) which formed part of GATT, other agreements particularly Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) also impinge heavily on the future of agriculture across the world. It is therefore prudent to evaluate the role that GATT, TRIPS, WTO, CBD and climate change play in the sustenance and development of agriculture pursuits, primarily in the developing and least developed economies.