Legal Factors Driving Agrobiodiversity Loss

2 Introduction Despite leading a shadowy existence in the public biodiversity debate, the issue of the loss of agrobiodiversity is hotly debated in expert circles. A broad understanding of agrobiodiversity can be described as that part of biodiversity that contributes in the context of agriculture to nutrition, livelihoods and the maintenance of habitats. Its scope covers agricultural crops, productive livestock, raw materials, medical plants and animals used for transport. Agrobiodiversity is highly threatened mostly by the spread of modern agriculture and the globalisation of food markets. This article describes the problem, diagnosis and the causes identified. In particular, it will analyse how legal and institutional structures in the international, European and national realm contribute to the problem. The focus is on intellectual property rights, sovereignty regimes as well as on seed trade and livestock breeding regulations. Finally, chances for sustainable use and protection of agrobiodiversity in the future are discussed.