The idea for this facilitation unit was born at the first GFAR Conference in 2000. A working
group recommended a strong involvement of GFAR in work on underutilized species at the
regional level and also expressed the need for a global facilitation mechanism to stimulate,
support and facilitate activities undertaken by different stakeholders on different aspects of
underutilized crops. The GFAR Secretariat established a task force including FAO, ICUC,
IFAD, BMZ and IPGRI to follow-up on the creation of this facilitation mechanism. At the
second meeting, BMZ agreed to provide funds for the establishment of a facilitation unit.
The same group decided on the Terms of Reference which highlight the advocacy and
lobbying role of the unit. The task force also established itself as the steering committee for
the Unit. This steering committee did not include a GFAR representative but would report
to the GFAR steering committee. The objective of the Unit was defined as: providing a
platform for discussion of concepts and policies, to mobilize support and facilitate the work
of all stakeholders involved in research and development of underutilized species under the
umbrella of GFAR.