Genetic Resources Action International (GRAIN)

Web site of GRAIN with resources, updates and literature on agricultural biodiversity conservation.

Go now:: http://www.grain.org

Genetic Resources Action International (GRAIN) is an international non-governmental organisation which promotes the sustainable management and use of agricultural biodiversity based on people's control over genetic resources and local knowledge.

GRAIN works to meet its aims by:

Protecting and strengthening community control of agricultural biodiversity: GRAIN actively monitors, researches and lobbies against pressures that undermine the rights of farmers and other local communities to use, and benefit, from biodiversity. At the same time they work with national and local organisations in the South whom are advocating and building up mechanisms which enhance community control over local genetic resources and its associated knowledge.

Promoting agriculture rich in biodiversity: All over the world there are farm and livelihood systems rich in biological and cultural diversity. Together with other NGOs, we work to support farmers and communities in strengthening sustainable agricultural approaches that are people-driven and serve food security first and foremost. GRAIN also explores how agricultural research programmes can better serve these approaches.

Stopping the destruction of genetic diversity: Agricultural policies and trade liberalisation agreements have led to a more industrialised - and more vulnerable - food system. Through research, information and strategy work, we aim to help those involved in various activities to stop further privatisation and loss of agricultural biodiversity.

GRAIN was established in 1990 and is registered in Spain (Barcelona) as an international, non-profit foundation. A wholly autonomous organisation, GRAIN is financed by grants from NGOs, governments and intergovernmental organisations.

Classification

Subject  Biodiversity
Regional relation  Global
Audience  General Interest - Activists - Government and Policy Makers
Physical format  Web pages