Objective: To promote national and international action with respect to production, conservation, distribution and consumption of rice, except matters relating to international trade.
Summary of provisions: The functions of the Commission are described in article IV. They include, inter alia, reviewing the scientific, technical and economic problems related to the object of the Commission; encouraging research and cooperative projects on those problems; providing technical assistance as well as reporting on matters relating to the production, conservation, distribution and consumption of rice.
Institutional mechanisms: The Commission may establish temporary, special or standing committees to study or report on matters pertaining to the purpose of the Commission (art.VI.1) and working parties to study and make recommendations on specific technical problems (art VI.2). Reports of these committees and working parties are to be formally transmitted through the Director General of the FAO through the Commission (art. IV g)
Any dispute regarding the interpretation or application of this Constitution, if not settled by the Commission, is to be referred to a committee composed of one member appointed by each of the parties to the dispute, and in addition an independent chairman chosen by the members of the committee. The recommendations of that committee, while not binding in character, become the basis for renewed consideration by the parties concerned (art. XI).
(Source: IUCN ELC, 08.2005)