This publication is based on the project “Legal framework for the rights and exchange of animal genetic resources in the Nordic region” which was funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers and Norwegian Genetic Resource Center and Nordic Gene Bank for Farm Animals (now part of NordGen).
The book's introductory chapter provides some background on the evolution of the livestock sector and developments in animal breeding, followed by an overview of developments in international and regional legal and policy framworks relevant to animal genetic resources (AnGR) – the Convention on Biological Diversity (particularly negiotations on access and benefit sharing), harmonization of intellectual property rights regimes, European Union legislation and the work of FAO and the European Regional Focal Point for Animal Genetic Resources.
The second chapter introduces specific Nordic issues, reviewing the charactistics of the livstock and breeding sectors in the region. Attention is paid to the significance of breeding cooperatives in Nordic countries, collaboration in breeding operations and in the management of AnGR, and the good animal health status that prevails in the region. Future prospects for Nordic Red dairy cattle are also discussed.
The third chapter reviews lessons that can be learned from the crop sector, outlining the significance of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and Plant Breeders's Rights within the UPOV (International Union for the Protection of New Varieties) system. The chapter concludes with the argument that while in the plant sector genetic resources are maintained in public gene banks, in the animal sector it is the breeding programmes that constitute the gene banks.
The fourth chapter is devoted to exploring factors that enhance the sustainability of breeding programmes. Collaboration along the production chain, definition of breeding goals, recording schemes, the management of genetic and operative risks, and planning in the importation of genetic material are highlighted.
Moving on to discuss exchange of AnGR, the fifth chapter notes the active role of Nordic countries in international trade and discusses global patterns of exchange (prevalence of “North–South” exchanges and the significance of zoosanitary regulations). Good practices in the genetic evaluation of internationally traded genetic material and in sourcing genetic material for research purposes are discussed, along with ownership issues in the operation of ex situ conservation programmes.
The sixth chapter deals with patenting. Trends in patent applications in the animal breeding sector are described. This is followed by a discussion of patentability criteria and the scope of exclusive right in the breeding sector.
