While the use of the term "agrobiodiversity" is increasing, there is still no consensus on what is exactly meant by it. A broad definition should cover the full range of functions of biodiversity in agriculture areas: (a) production of food, fuel and other raw materials; (b) life support functions and (c) nature conservation, landscape protection and related tourism. This is similar to the European Union concept of multifunctional agriculture, including (a) producing food, feed and fibre, (b) preserving the rural environment and landscape and (c) contributing to the viability of rural areas and a balanced territorial development.
The 3rd Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP-3 CBD, Buenos Aires, 1996, decision III/11) decided to develop a phased, multi-year programme of work on the conservation and sustainable use of agricultural biological diversity aiming at: "...first, to promote the positive effects and mitigate the negative impacts of agricultural practices on biological diversity in agro-ecosystems and their interface with other ecosystems; second, to promote the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources of actual or potential value for food and agriculture; and third, to promote the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilisation of genetic resources..." and to promote the development of national strategies, programmes and action plans on agrobiodiversity.