Decree No. 12.097 creating the National Policy for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Genetic Resources for Food, Agriculture and Livestock.

This Decree applies to the provisions established in Law No. 13.123 of 20 May 2015, in the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, promulgated by Decree No. 6.476 of 5 June 2008, and in the Convention on Biological Diversity, promulgated by Decree No. 2.519 of 16 March 1998. The objectives of the National Policy for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Genetic Resources for Food, Agriculture and Livestock are: conservation, sustainable use, protection and valorization of genetic resources for food, agriculture and livestock; food and nutrition sovereignty and security; adequate and healthy food; expansion of knowledge and the valorization of genetic resources for food, agriculture and livestock farming; and expanding the genetic base of breeding programmes carried out by research institutions. The National Policy will be implemented in cooperation with states, the Federal District, municipalities, civil society organizations and private entities.
Key instruments of the policy include the National Genetic Resources Platform, National Genetic Resources Network, and various conservation programmes. Governance will be managed by a Steering Committee with equal representation from government and civil society, including indigenous peoples and traditional communities. It emphasizes the importance of traditional knowledge and the autonomy of indigenous and traditional communities, aiming to enhance understanding and appreciation of genetic resources and broaden the genetic base for breeding programmes.