Agro-Inputs, Genetic Resources & Information Network
The BRICS AGRIN Framework is a collaborative, non-binding and farmer-centric initiative designed to strengthen cooperation among BRICS countries in the areas of agro-inputs, plant genetic resources, seeds and planting materials, knowledge exchange, technology and capacity building. The Framework seeks to facilitate voluntary exchange of information and experiences while supporting food security, climate resilience, sustainable agricultural productivity and access to quality agricultural inputs.
Objectives
The Framework aims to:
- Strengthen food security through cooperation on sustainable agricultural productivity, soil health and climate resilience
- Facilitate information and knowledge exchange among participating countries through a farmer-centric collaborative platform.
- Improve access to quality agricultural inputs. , including seeds, plant genetic resources (germplasm), fertilizers, bio-inputs and crop protection inputs.
- Promote technology and capacity building through information sharing, digital delivery systems and collaborative learning.
- Ensure that all cooperation is undertaken in accordance with national laws, regulations, priorities and relevant international frameworks.
Key Principles
BRICS AGRIN operates on the principles of sovereignty, voluntariness, farmer-centricity, mutual benefit, regulatory compliance and fair and equitable benefit-sharing. Exchanges are undertaken on mutually agreed terms and remain subject to applicable phytosanitary, biosafety, SPS/TBT and other regulatory requirements.
Areas of Cooperation
The Framework provides for cooperation across four broad areas:
- Seeds & Planting Materials
Exchange of improved varieties, DUS data recognition, adaptive field evaluation and seed certification best practices. - Germplasm & Genetic Resources
Facilitating access to plant genetic resources for research and breeding, while safeguarding local landraces and following applicable Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs/SMTA), Prior Informed Consent and benefit-sharing provisions. - Agro-Inputs
Information and cooperation relating to fertilizers, bio-inputs and crop protection inputs, with emphasis on sustainable management and affordability for smallholder farmers. - Knowledge, Technology & Capacity Building
Exchange of technologies, information and best practices, including digital delivery systems and utilization of the BARP platform and BAIES information exchange.
Agro-Ecological Mapping & Exchange Opportunities
The AGRIN Framework identifies shared agro-ecologies and common crop systems across BRICS countries to help identify areas of potential cooperation. These include humid tropical and subtropical systems, tropical savannahs, semi-arid and dryland systems, irrigated lowlands, highlands, wetlands, temperate steppes, desert environments and mountain terrains.
Based on these similarities, the Framework provides a mechanism for countries to indicate potential offers and requests relating to seeds, germplasm, fertilizers, bio-inputs, crop protection inputs, technologies, information and capacity building.