Sources of PGRFA
The list below contains links to websites offering information about plant genetic resources conserved ex situ, i.e. outside their natural habitats. This usually refers to genebaks or similar organizations where the material is conserved in refrigerators, in glass containers or in fields maintained in controlled conditions.
- Genesys It plays a key role in the Global Information System of the ITPGRFA by specifically supporting genebanks in making information about their collections accessible to the world. It connects resources from CGIAR genebanks and several regional and national collections.
- FAO's WIEWS - World Information and Early Warning System on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture It is the information system used by FAO for the preparation of periodic, country-driven global assessments of the status of conservation and use of PGRFA. WIEWS also monitors, on the basis of country reports, the implementation of the Global Plan of Action for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. It provides access to an ex situ search form.
- GRIN Germplasm Resources Information Network documents animal, microbial, and plant collections through informational pages, searchable databases, and links to USDA-ARS projects that curate the collections. Search form for plant collections.
- GenBank GenBank is the NIH's genetic sequence database that houses publicly available DNA sequences and is part of a collaboration with the DNA DataBank of Japan and the European Nucleotide Archive, with bi-monthly updates and detailed release notes.
- National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) The NPGS provides plant germplasm to professional breeders and researchers. Requests from producers will be evaluated individually if commercial sources are unavailable. Educational requests from students must include faculty endorsement. Requestors may need to provide additional information about their orders. For more details, watch the NPGS video. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has notified the Secretary of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) regarding plant genetic resources managed by the USDA/ARS NPGS.
- Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre (PARC) GRIN-Global-CA is the Canadian version of the GRIN-Global genebank information system. Developed by the Crop Trust and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), GRIN-Global is widely used by genebanks worldwide for managing collection data. GRIN-Global-CA provides access to the germplasm holdings of Plant Gene Resources of Canada (PGRC), the Canadian Clonal Genebank (CCGB), and the Canadian Potato Genetic Resources (CPGR). It offers detailed passport, characterization, and evaluation data, along with taxonomic information. As of September 2008, a total of 100,500 accessions of plant genetic material are included in the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA). Germplasm requests can be made through GRIN-Global-CA.
- Mutant Germplasm Repository of the FAO/IAEA Joint Division The Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture manages the Mutant Variety Database (MVD), which serves as a repository for voluntarily provided data on officially released mutant crop varieties, including both seed and vegetative crops. This database, which contains information on improved mutant varieties developed and released worldwide across over a hundred crop species, highlights the role of mutation breeding in enhancing global food security and adapting crops to climate change. Each entry in the database includes details on the mutagen used, the dose applied, the traits that were improved, and the available agronomic data for the released variety.
- International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) ICARDA provides innovative, science-based solutions to support communities in the non-tropical dry areas of the developing world. The center conducts research and tests its findings in countries across Central and West Asia, North Africa (CWANA), and the Middle East. It works in close collaboration with a wide network of National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) and advanced research institutions to share knowledge and strengthen their capacity to implement their research and development agendas. As of October 2006, the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) has received a total of 134,741 accessions of plant genetic material.
- Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) Founded in 2019, the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) was established to address global food system crises. As part of the CGIAR system, the Alliance contributes to One CGIAR and supports coordinated actions for change. Its work also aligns with international goals such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Global Biodiversity Targets, the Paris Climate Agreement, and the Bonn Challenge. As of October 2006, the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) has received 1,284 accessions of plant genetic material from Bioversity International and 65,721 accessions from CIAT.
- CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) The CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture, and Food Security (CCAFS) harnesses the scientific expertise of CGIAR and its partners to drive meaningful change in climate-smart agriculture (CSA). As part of CGIAR, the world’s largest agricultural research network, CCAFS plays a key role in scaling up practices, technologies, and institutions that help agriculture achieve the interconnected goals of food security, climate adaptation, and mitigation. CCAFS' efforts are supported by generous contributions from CGIAR Trust Fund donors and various bilateral funding agreements.
- Web-SDIS Information System of the Southern African Development Community.
- Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research (INERA) The Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research (INERA) is the national research institute of Burkina Faso, dedicated to improving the production of plants, animals, forests, and fisheries, as well as to the sustainable management of natural resources. As of April 2016, the Multilateral System received 16,479 accessions from this institute, confirming the availability of collections of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.
- Uganda National Genebank Uganda has a rich diversity of crops, with a significant landrace collection at the Uganda National Gene Bank (UNGB). The Genebank stores over 5,000 accessions, including orthodox seeds at -20°C for long-term preservation, ensuring high quality and longevity. Recalcitrant species are kept live in botanical gardens. The National Focal Point of the International Treaty has notified the Secretary of 760 accessions available in the Multilateral System, including 23 pearl millet, 64 sorghum, 429 finger millet, 151 wild relatives of millets, and 93 common beans.
- National Gene Bank of Egypt The Egyptian Deserts Bank "Genes" is a key component of the Desert Research Centre and represents the largest collection of rare wild agricultural genes in the Arab world. Since its inception in 1977, it has gathered and preserved 2,500 rare wild medicinal plants. These specimens have been safeguarded for up to 100 years against threats like desertification, drought, and environmental degradation, ensuring they can be re-cultivated and utilized. The bank has successfully developed new species that are resilient to soil salinity and drought. The Head of the National Gene Bank (NGB) of Egypt has informed the Secretary of the International Treaty about 40 citrus accessions that were collected and characterized with the help of a Benefit-sharing Project, which are now part of the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA). The names of these accessions are provided in the attached notification.
- Senegalese Institute of Agricultural Research (ISRA) ISRA's vision is to become an Institute of Excellence in research by focusing on quality and aligning themes with public agricultural policies. The goal is to enhance food security and reduce poverty by creating relevant knowledge and innovations for rural and urban populations. The Senegalese Institute of Agricultural Research (ISRA) has informed the Secretary of the Treaty about the inclusion in the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) of collections held in Dakar, including candle millet (Pennisetum), maize (Zea), and sorghum (Sorghum) containing 49 samples.
- National Institute of Agricultural Research of Morocco (INRA) The mission of the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) is to conduct research aimed at agricultural development. As a public institution, it has its roots in 1914 with the establishment of the first official agricultural research services. Recently, it has undergone a structural reorganization to modernize its management processes. INRA-Morocco has informed the Secretary of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) about the inclusion of collections from its genebank at the Settat Regional Research Center, which includes a Triticum spp. collection containing 195 accessions of durum wheat and 156 accessions of bread wheat.
- Malawi National Plant Genetic Resources Centre (NPGRC) To conserve and promote the sustainable use of existing biodiversity, the National Plant Genetic Resources Centre (NPGRC) was established in Malawi's Ministry of Agriculture in 1992. Located at the Chitedze Agricultural Research Station, the Malawi Plant Genetic Resources Centre (MPGRC) serves as the country's repository for plant germplasm. Since its inception, the centre has accumulated 2,510 samples from 50 plant species, including 2,069 seed samples and 441 vegetative materials. The Ministry of Agriculture of Malawi has informed the Secretary of the International Treaty that 1,419 accessions of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture from 17 genera listed in Annex I are included in the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).
- Agricultural Research Corporation of Sudan (ARC) The vision of the Agricultural Research Corporation (ARC) is to establish itself as a center of excellence in agricultural research by developing skilled professionals and conducting high-quality research. Key roles of ARC include generating technologies for sustainable crop production and actively participating in technology transfer. The Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Sudan has informed the Secretary that 6,351 samples of sorghum, pearl millet, banana, and other plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, listed in Annex I and maintained in the Plant Genetic Resources Unit of the Agricultural Research Corporation in Wad Medani, Sudan, are included in the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).
- National Agriculture Genetic Resources Center (NAGRC) of Nepal Nepal’s scientific exploration and collection of indigenous plants began in the late 1930s, with conservation practices dating back to ancient Hindu rituals. Established in 2010, the National Agriculture Genetic Resources Center (NAGRC) aims to conserve genetic resources for economic growth and food security, housing diverse collections of crops, livestock, and microorganisms. The center has notified the Secretary about 614 accessions of plant genetic resources available in the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).
- The Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, NARO (NIAS) The Institute of Agrobiological Sciences (NIAS) in Japan researches agricultural plants, insects, and animals to develop innovative technologies addressing global issues like food shortages and climate change. They focus on creating disease-resistant crops, rice-based edible vaccines, and transgenic animals for medical applications. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan has notified the Secretary of the International Treaty about the availability of nearly 40,000 crop accessions in the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), including an additional 8,307 resources reported on November 22, 2016.
- National Plant Gene Bank of Bhutan The Plant Genetic Resources Division in Bhutan was established in response to the 1997 Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP I) following the country's ratification of the CBD. Recognizing the importance of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, the National Plant Genebank became operational in 2005 for ex-situ conservation. Bhutan has endorsed sixty accessions of rice germplasm from this genebank, which are available in the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).
- Genebank of the Philippine Rice Research Institute The International Rice Genebank, managed by IRRI, houses over 132,000 accessions, making it the largest collection of rice genetic diversity globally. As of December 2019, 811 accessions of rice from the Genebank of the Philippine Rice Research Institute are available in the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).
- Svalbard Seed Portal The Svalbard seed portal offers safe, free-of-charge, long-term storage of seed sample duplicates of the crop diversity stored in the world's genebanks. The seeds are stored under black box conditions according to FAO's genebank standards. The Nordic Genetic Resource Centre (NordGen) is the Nordic countries' genebank and knowledge centre for genetic resources. NordGen is responsible for the operations of the Seed Vault in collaboration with the Norwegian Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the international organization Crop Trust. The Seed Portal of Svalbard Global Seed Vault is used for managing the more than one million seed samples currently stored in the Seed Vault. NordGen is responsible for maintaining the Seed Portal which is updated after each new deposit of seed samples.
- Kew Millennium Seed Bank It is one of the largest ex situ plant conservation programme in the world, and it is coordinated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- European Search Catalogue for Plant Genetic Resources (EURISCO) The European Search Catalogue for Plant Genetic Resources (EURISCO) provides access to data on over 2 million plant accessions, including both crop species and their wild relatives, preserved ex situ by approximately 400 institutes. EURISCO operates through a network of national inventories across 43 member countries, playing a vital role in conserving the world's agrobiological diversity by offering detailed information about the genetic resources held by partner institutions. From 2003 to 2014, EURISCO was hosted and managed by Bioversity International in Rome, Italy. Since 2014, it has been maintained by the Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) in Gatersleben, Germany. The primary objective of EURISCO is to serve as a comprehensive information hub for the scientific community and plant breeders. It contains both passport and phenotypic data.
- GENBIS Active since 2020, the GENBIS (Baltic - Nordic Baltic Genebanks Information System) database uses the GRIN-Global system to pool together all information regarding plant genetic resources pertaining to NordGen and the national genebanks of Nordic and Baltic countries. The information can be accessed both by internal and external users, for example to order genetic material.
- The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Regions and Tourism of Austria The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Regions and Tourism of Austria is responsible for developing and implementing policies related to agriculture, rural development, and tourism. It focuses on promoting sustainable agricultural practices, supporting farmers, and enhancing regional development. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Regions and Tourism of Austria has informed the Secretary about the availability of collections held by Austrian genebanks in the Multilateral System, as listed on the website www.genbank.at. This site provides detailed information about the collections' composition and outlines procedures for users interested in ordering samples. At the time of the announcement, the website displayed records for 11,433 materials.
- The Polish Department of Plant Breeding and Plant Protection The Plant Breeding and Protection Department manages plant breeding, seed production, fertilization, environmental impact assessments, gene resource protection, genetically modified plants, seed material registration, and plant protection product registration. The Plant Breeding and Protection Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Poland has informed the Secretariat of the International Treaty about 52,938 accessions listed in Annex 1, conserved in ten national collections and available through the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).
- The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and the Environment of Spain The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and the Environment of Spain oversees the conservation of plant genetic resources and maintains the National Network of Phytogenetic Resources to support research, agriculture, and food security. The Ministry has informed the Secretary that there are 25,364 accessions preserved in the National Network of Phytogenetic Resources included in the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), corresponding to 192 species. All accessions are of Spanish origin, collected in Spain, and maintained in 20 Spanish institutions listed in the annex
- Siregal Siregal is the Plant Genetic Resources Information System managed by INRA in France, showcasing accessions from INRA’s Biological Resource Centers (BRC) and French crop genetic resource networks. While some accessions can be ordered, the BRC primarily distributes small quantities for research and biodiversity preservation. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food of France has notified the Secretary about 719 accessions of plant genetic resources maintained at INRA, available within the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food - ILVO Vlaanderen The Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO) is an independent scientific research organization under the Flanders Government. Its mission is to generate knowledge aimed at enhancing sustainability in the agriculture, fisheries, and agri-food sectors. With a solid foundation in Flanders, ILVO’s activities reach across Belgium, Europe, and globally.
- Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO) The Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO) serves as the independent research body for the Flemish government, supporting and assessing biodiversity policies and management through applied scientific research, as well as the sharing of data and knowledge.
- Italian Institute of Plant Genetics (IGV) The Institute of Plant Genetics (IGV) was established as part of the reorganization of the CNR research network, merging five CNR institutes with extensive experience in plant germplasm collection, genetic variability, and improvement of economically important plants. The Italian National Research Council notified the Secretary of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) that the Triticum and Hordeum collection held by the Institute of Plant Genetics at Via Amendola, 165/a, 70126 Bari, Italy, consisting of 27,743 Triticum and 2,102 Hordeum accessions, has been included in the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA). Information about the collections will be available on the website eco.igv.cnr.it/phpmyadmin by the end of 2011.
- Agricultural Research Institute of Cyprus (ARI) The Agricultural Research Institute (ARI) operates as a department within the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment of the Republic of Cyprus. Established in 1962 following Cyprus's independence, the ARI was created in collaboration with the United Nations Special Development Fund and the Food and Agriculture Organization, becoming a governmental entity in 1967. The Director of the Agricultural Research Institute has informed the Secretary that 485 accessions maintained in the Genebank collections of the ARI are included in the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).
- Ministry of Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs of Spain (MARM) Ministère de l'Environnement et des Affaires Rurales et Maritimes d'Espagne (MARM)
- Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs of the UK (DEFRA) The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) of the UK is responsible for environmental protection, food production and safety, and rural communities. It works on policies related to sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and the management of natural resources. The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs of the UK has informed the Secretary that several accessions of genetic resources for food and agriculture listed in Annex I and maintained in the collections of the United Kingdom are included in the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).
- Crop Research Institute of the Czech Republic (CRI) The Crop Research Institute (CRI), employing around 300 staff members, is the largest institute dedicated to crop production research, operating under the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic. Our main facility is located in Prague-Ruzyně, and we also have smaller research centers in Olomouc, Liberec, Jevíčko, Slaný, Chomutov, and Karlštejn, along with additional field stations across the country. The Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic has informed the Secretary of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) that the plant genetic resources for food and agriculture listed in Annex I and maintained at the Crop Research Institute in Prague are included in the Multilateral System.
- Banca de Gene Suceava The Banca de Gene Suceava plays an essential role in the conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Rural Development of Romania has informed the Secretary that the following plant genetic resources, listed in Annex I, and maintained by the Suceava Gene Bank, have been included in the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA). The Ministry of Agriculture, Forests, and Rural Development of Romania has informed the Secretary that 6,363 accessions of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, listed in Annex I and preserved at the Suceava Gene Bank, have been incorporated into the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA). This includes the collection held by the National Gene Bank of Romania, located in Suceava.
- National Institute of Agricultural Research of Portugal (INIA) The National Institute of Agricultural and Veterinary Research (INIAV) is the state laboratory responsible for research in agriculture, forestry, and rural development. In 2006, it merged with the National Veterinary Research Laboratory (LNIV) and the National Institute for Agricultural and Plant Protection (INIAP) to form the National Institute of Biological Resources (INRB). INIAV manages the National Reference Laboratories for plant and animal diseases, including zoonoses, as well as for food safety and environmental contaminants. On behalf of Portugal, INRB has notified the Secretary that 813 accessions of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, listed in Annex I of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), are included in the Multilateral System.
- Nordic Genetic Resource Centre (NordGen) NordGen, the Nordic Genetic Resource Centre, serves as the joint gene bank and knowledge hub for genetic resources in the Nordic countries. Its mission is to preserve and promote the sustainable use of genetic resources in plants, farm animals, and forestry across the region. As of December 2008, 24,713 accessions of plant genetic material maintained by NordGen have been included in the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).
- German National Inventory for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRDEU) The Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection of Germany has informed the Secretary of the Treaty that more than 100,000 accessions stored in the collections of the Genebank of the Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), as well as the Fragaria and Malus collections maintained by the Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, are now included in the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).
- European Forest Genetic Resources Programme (EUFORGEN) EUFORGEN, the European Forest Genetic Resources Programme, is an international collaborative initiative aimed at promoting the conservation and sustainable use of forest genetic resources (FGR) across Europe. It is an integral component of sustainable forest management. Established in 1994, EUFORGEN arose from a resolution adopted in 1990 during the first Ministerial Conference of the Forest Europe process. Experts from member countries convene within EUFORGEN to share knowledge and experiences, analyze policies and practices, and develop scientifically-informed strategies, tools, and methods to enhance the management of forest genetic resources.
- European Forest Institute (EFI) The European Forest Institute (EFI) is an international organization founded by European States to support research and policy on forest conservation and management. It promotes networking, disseminates policy-relevant forest information, and advocates for using scientifically-based data in forest policies. Thirty European States have ratified the EFI Convention, with 125 members in 39 countries. EFI's headquarters are in Joensuu, Finland, with offices in Barcelona, Bonn, Brussels, Rome, Malaysia, and China. It also hosts the International Partnerships Facility, which supports global partnerships for sustainable and deforestation-free timber and agricultural trade.
- National Institute of Innovation and Technology Transfer in Agricultural Production (INTA) The National Institute of Innovation and Technology Transfer in Agricultural Production (INTA) was established by law 8149 on November 22, 2001, as an entity under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. INTA supports the agricultural sector by providing technological options and services through research and innovation. It has notified the Secretary of the Treaty about available collections in the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), including materials for rice, sweet potato, corn, and more, from various experimental stations.
- National Institute of Agricultural Research of Uruguay (INIA) The National Institute of Agricultural Research of Uruguay (INIA) focuses on research and innovation in agriculture, aiming to enhance productivity, sustainability, and food security through scientific development and technological transfer. Germplasm has been developed through the project funded by the Benefit Sharing Fund of the treaty "Broadening the genetic basis of potatoes through the introgression of local wild species, Solanum commersonii." This material will be made available through the International Potato Center. A notification to the secretary and the list of in-vitro samples are attached. As of August 2013, the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) has received 13 accessions.
- Cocoa Research Centre of the University of the West Indies (CRC-UWI) As a global leader in cocoa germplasm conservation and characterization, CRC collaborates with international experts in pathology, molecular diagnostics, and morphological studies. Research areas include chemical and sensory quality factors, micro-fermentation optimization, cocoa quality standards, DNA fingerprinting, genetic diversity, cadmium mitigation, and propagation efficiency. CRC also supports entrepreneurs through training, such as its popular chocolate-making course. We produce a 70% dark chocolate bar from our unique collection of over 2000 cocoa varieties. As the custodian of the world’s largest public collection of cocoa types, CRC holds over 2300 accessions of Theobroma cacao, 22 wild relatives of Theobroma, and Herrania species, all in compliance with the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), as specified in the Tenth Session of the Governing Body held in November 2023. More information about the accessions can be found at Reports from Institutions that have concluded Agreements under Article 15 of the International Treaty.
'In-situ conservation' means the conservation of ecosystems and natural habitats and the maintenance and recovery of viable populations of species in their natural surroundings and, in the case of domesticated or cultivated species, in the surroundings where they have developed their distinctive properties.
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility GBIF is an international network and data infrastructure funded by the world's governments and aimed at providing anyone, anywhere, open access to data about all types of life on Earth.
- Bioversity database on collecting missions This biodiversity database offers access to original passport data of more than 220,000 samples collected around the world during Bioversity International supported missions. About 150,000 samples are currently geo-referenced and can be displayed on a map.
- Crop Wild Relatives at Bioversity International It was created within the framework of the UNEP-GEF supported project "In situ conservation of crop wild relatives through enhanced information management and field application" (2004-2010). The portal further expanded under the EU-ACP funded project "In situ conservation and use of crop wild relatives in three ACP countries of the SADC region" (2014-2016) and is now being maintained and updated under the Darwin Initiative funded project "Bridging agriculture and environment: Southern Africa crop wild relative regional network" (2019-2022).
- The Crop Wild Relative Project at the Global Crop Diversity Trust From 2011 to 2021, the project brought together institutions, researchers, plant breeders, farmers and industry to collect, conserve and use the wild relatives of priority crops.
- The Harlan and de Wet - Crop Wild Relative inventory It uses both genepool concepts as well as documentation of CWR species that have been successfully used in breeding in the past to provide a priority list of 1400 CWR species, along with key ancillary data such as their regional and national occurrence, seed storage behavior and herbaria housing major collections of CWR.
- ABS Clearing-House Mechanism of the CBD It is is a platform for exchanging information on access and benefit-sharing and is a key tool to facilitate the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol.
- International Olive Council (IOC) The International Olive Council (IOC) is an intergovernmental organization that promotes olive cultivation, olive oil production, and the consumption of olives and olive oil worldwide. It establishes international standards, conducts research, and facilitates cooperation among olive-producing countries to enhance the global olive sector.
- International Organisation of Vine & Wine (OIV) The OIV provides grape and wine-producing countries with information to develop regulations, reduce trade barriers, promote sustainable production, and protect consumers. The OIV and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), under the FAO, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance collaboration in conserving and sustainably using plant genetic resources, with a specific focus on viticulture biodiversity. The MoU was signed on October 18th in Dijon during the 22nd OIV General Assembly.
- The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources of Australia The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources of Australia is responsible for developing policies and programs that support the agriculture sector, enhance water management, and ensure sustainable practices. It works to promote food security, manage biosecurity risks, and support the agricultural industry through research, regulation, and innovation. The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources of Australia has notified the Secretary that the following PGRFA listed in Annex I and maintained in Australia are available in the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).
- Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) The Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) operates at the intersection of five key areas where trees have a significant impact: biodiversity, climate, value chains, food, and equity. CIFOR-ICRAF bridges science and action, fostering solutions through inclusive partnerships, transdisciplinary research, and demand-driven innovation. As of October 2006, the Multilateral System of the ITPGRFA has received 1,996 accessions of plant genetic material from CIFOR-ICRAF.
- International Potato Center (CIP) The International Potato Center (CIP), founded in 1971, focuses on potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tubers. It provides science-based solutions to improve access to nutritious food, promote sustainable business growth, and enhance climate resilience in root and tuber agriculture. Headquartered in Lima, Peru, CIP operates in over 20 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. As of October 2006, the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) has received 16,061 accessions of plant genetic material from CIP. CIP is a CGIAR research center, part of a global partnership dedicated to ensuring food security and addressing climate change through transformative research on food, land, and water systems.
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) aims to improve lives through livestock in developing countries. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, ILRI operates 14 offices across Asia and Africa with a team of about 700 staff and an annual budget of USD 80 million. As a CGIAR research center, ILRI focuses on poverty reduction, food and nutrition security, and ecosystem sustainability. It works in close collaboration with numerous partners to drive global agricultural research for a food-secure future. As of October 2006, the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture has received 19,215 accessions of plant genetic material maintained by ILRI.
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is a non-profit agricultural research organization that works to improve food security and livelihoods in the semi-arid regions of the world, particularly in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Established in 1972, ICRISAT focuses on improving the productivity of crops such as sorghum, millet, chickpea, pigeonpea, and groundnut. Through its research and partnerships, ICRISAT aims to enhance food and nutrition security, reduce poverty, and improve the sustainability of farming systems in the drylands. The institute integrates genetic resources, crop improvement, natural resource management, and climate change adaptation to support farmers in these vulnerable regions. As of October 2006, the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) has received 119,613 accessions of plant genetic material from ICRISAT's collections.
- International Coconut Genebank for Africa and the Indian Ocean under the International Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT) COGENT is part of the International Coconut Community (ICC), an intergovernmental body established in 1969 under the UN-ESCAP. ICC has 21 member countries, representing over 90% of global coconut production and exports. The International Collection for Africa and the Indian Ocean (ICG-AIO), established in 1999 by FAO and Bioversity International, is hosted in Côte d'Ivoire at the Marc Delorme Research Station on coconut palms. Over 1,000 coconut accessions, including more than 400 unique varieties, are stored in five international genebanks. The coconut palm is one of 64 crops critical for food security, included in the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), as specified in the Tenth Session of the Governing Body held in November 2023. More information about the accessions can be found at Reports from Institutions that have concluded Agreements under Article 15 of the International Treaty.
- Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB) The mission of RAB is to enhance agriculture and animal resources through research, agricultural extension, and animal resource extension to improve the productivity and quality of agricultural and animal resources, along with their derived products. The Rwanda Agriculture Board has informed the Secretary that the following plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, as listed in Annex 1 of the International Treaty, are part of the Multilateral System: the collections maintained by the Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB) across its various agricultural research centers in Rwanda and the collections of beans, Irish potatoes, and rice held by the Higher Institute of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry (ISAE) located in Musanze, Rwanda. For details on the composition of these collections, please refer to the National Information Sharing Mechanism for plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.
- National Plant Genetic Resources Centre (NPGRC) of Tanzania The National Plant Genetic Resources Centre (NPGRC) of Tanzania is responsible for the conservation and management of plant genetic resources. Its mission includes collecting and preserving crop diversity to support sustainable agriculture and food security. The Permanent Secretary of the Plant Genetic Resources Centre (PGRC) of Tanzania has informed the Secretary of a list of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) associated with crops in Annex 1 of the International Treaty, included in the Multilateral System of Access and Benefit-sharing. This material, detailed in the attached notification, includes accessions of sorghum, lablab beans, cucurbita maxima, yam, plectranthus, and finger millet. Additional information is stored at the SADC Plant Genetic Resources Centre.
- National Center for Agricultural Research and Extension (NCARE) of Jordan NARC aims to utilize the results of agricultural research conducted locally or sourced from other areas to enhance agricultural production, which includes both plant and animal production. The focus is on increasing efficiency, improving practices, conserving and optimizing agricultural natural resources, supporting agricultural development, and maintaining environmental balance. The National Center for Agricultural Research and Extension (NCARE) of Jordan has informed the Secretary of 1,885 accessions of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, as listed in Annex 1 of the Treaty within the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA). These materials are stored in Baga, Amman.
- Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARl) The Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) aims to establish a profitable production chain that enhances national production. Innovation is a key strategy used by the Kenyan government to improve productivity and create a beneficial cycle for producers, consumers, and farmers. While the market mainly consists of smallholders, technological innovations are distributed through various programs to maximize reach. KARI has informed the Secretary of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) that 30 genera with 12,873 accessions listed in Annex I are included in the Multilateral System and maintained in the National Genebank of Kenya.
- Ministry of Agriculture of Madagascar (MINAE) The Ministry of Agriculture of Madagascar has notified the Secretary of the International Treaty that 7 999 accessions of various crops listed in Annex I of the Treaty and conserved in several national collections are included in the Multilateral System. The number of accessions per crop and collection are summarized in the notification.
- National Botanic Research Institute of Namibia (NBRI) The National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) operates under the Division of Forest & Botanical Research within the Directorate of Forestry, which falls under the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. The National Plant Genetic Resources Centre (NPGRC) is responsible for promoting both in situ and ex situ conservation, as well as the sustainable use of Namibia's plant genetic resources, which include crops, crop wild relatives, wild plants, and other introduced useful plants. The National Botanic Research Institute of Namibia has notified the inclusion of 1,722 accessions, including a collection of 1,441 accessions of pearl millet, in the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is an award-winning research-for-development (R4D) organization focused on addressing hunger, poverty, and natural resource degradation in Africa. Since its establishment in 1967, IITA has collaborated with international and national partners to improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and promote the sustainable use of natural resources. As of October 2006, 27,280 accessions of plant genetic material have been included in the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).
- Indian Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare The Indian Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, part of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable farming practices, and ensuring food security through various initiatives and policies. This department plays a key role in research, extension services, and the distribution of agricultural inputs. As of August 2016, the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) has received 26,523 accessions from this institution.
- Peermade Development Society (PDS) Peermade Development Society (PDS) is a national NGO in India focused on sustainable development for tribal communities, small farmers, women, and children. Established in 1980 and registered under the Travancore Cochin Literacy and Charitable Societies Act of 1955, PDS was founded by Bishop Emeritus Mar Mathew Arackal, who worked closely with rural and tribal populations in Idukki, Kerala. PDS has notified the Secretary about seven accessions listed in Annex I that are part of the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).
- International Coconut Community (ICC) The International Coconut Community (ICC) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1969 under the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP). Headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia, ICC has 21 member countries, representing over 90% of global coconut production and exports. Member countries span Asia, the Pacific, the Caribbean, Africa, and South America. ICC membership is open to all coconut-producing nations with unanimous approval from existing members. Additionally, Bioversity International has transferred its responsibilities related to coconut germplasm collections to the ICC.
- Network of Genetic Reserves in Germany (GE-Sell) Since 2015, researchers from the Julius Kühn Institute, the University of Osnabrück and Humboldt University of Berlin have been investigating the genetic diversity of wild celery occurrences in Germany in the frame of the Project "Genetic Reserves for Wild Celery Species (Apium and Helosciadium) as Part of a Network of Genetic Reserves in Germany (GE-Sell)". The aim of the project was to use various wild celery species as model objects to demonstrate how the protection of wild plants for food and agriculture in their natural habitats can be improved by establishing an exemplary nationwide network of genetic reserves.
- The Belgian National Orchard Foundation (NBS) The National Orchard Foundation (NBS) manages about 100 hectares of orchards in Flanders and preserves a unique gene bank with over 3,500 fruit varieties. Each year, NBS organizes a planting campaign offering around 500 varieties, including apples and pears. The NBS president informed the secretary about 25 new apple varieties available under the Multilateral System. More information is at www.boomgaardenstichting.be.
- Croatian Centre for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs The Croatian Centre for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs focuses on promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing food quality, and supporting rural development in Croatia. It conducts research, provides technical assistance, and collaborates with various stakeholders to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. The Croatian Centre for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has notified the Secretary that the following plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, listed in Annex I and maintained in Croatia, are included in the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), with a total of 387 accessions received as of September 2014.
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA) CREA is the premier Italian research organization focused on agri-food supply chains. Operating as a legal entity under public law, it is overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests (Masaf). Its scientific endeavors encompass agricultural crops, livestock, fisheries, forestry, agro-industry, food science, and socio-economics. CREA maintains complete scientific, statutory, organizational, administrative, and financial autonomy. Established in 2015 through the merger of CRA (Council for Agricultural Research) and INEA (National Institute of Agricultural Economics), it includes two national institutions that have been active since the mid-20th century. As of May 2013, the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) has received 16,943 accessions.
- Walloon Agricultural Research Centre (CRA-W) The CRA-W unites scientific research with service and support functions to assist Walloon farmers, livestock breeders, horticulturists, forestry producers, and professionals in the agri-food sector.
- Ministry of Agriculture of Estonia The Ministry of Agriculture of Estonia oversees the development and implementation of agricultural policies, including the management of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. It works to promote sustainable agricultural practices and enhance the productivity of Estonia's agricultural sector. The Ministry of Agriculture of Estonia has informed the Secretary of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) that the following plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, listed in Annex I and maintained in Estonia, have been included in the Multilateral System: 1. The collections held by the Genebank of the Jogeva Plant Breeding Institute in Jogeva; 2. The Potato collection managed by the Department of Plant Biotechnology at EVIKA, located in Saku; 3. The Malus, Prunus, Pyrus, Ribes, Rubus, and Fragaria collection held by the Polli Horticultural Research Centre of the Estonian University of Life Sciences in Polli.
- Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG- BLW) The Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) is dedicated to ensuring sustainable agricultural production, contributing to food security in Switzerland. We balance various interests, develop the legal foundation for an effective and forward-looking agricultural policy, and implement it efficiently. The FOAG has informed the Secretary that 25,507 accessions of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, listed in Annex I and non-Annex I crops maintained in Switzerland, have been included in the Multilateral System under the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA). These collections are housed at the National Genebank of Switzerland, Agroscope Changins-Wädenswil Research Station in Nyon.
- French Association of Cereal Seed for Straw Crops and Other Self-Pollinating Species (AFSA) The French Association of Cereal Seed for Straw Crops and Other Self-Pollinating Species (AFSA) is a French professional organization focused on the development, promotion, and preservation of seed varieties for cereals (such as wheat, barley, and oats) and other self-pollinating species. AFSA works closely with researchers, farmers, and seed producers to ensure the sustainability, innovation, and genetic diversity of crops in France. Its activities include conserving plant genetic resources and distributing high-quality seeds for agricultural production. In collaboration with the National Institute for Agricultural Research of France (INRA), AFSA has notified the Secretary that French collections of bread wheat, comprising a total of 1,800 accessions, have been included in the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).
- Association for the Study and Improvement of Maize (Pro-Maïs) The Pro-Maïs Association is a non-profit organization open to all maize breeders in France, regardless of nationality. Its goals are to preserve France's maize genetic resources in collaboration with INRA and to develop long-term research programs on maize history, biodiversity, genetics, breeding methods, and improvements for digestibility and drought tolerance. The Association pour l’Etude et l’Amélioration du Maïs and the National Institute for Agricultural Research of France (INRA) have notified the Secretary that their maize collections, totaling 500 accessions, are included in the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).
- Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI) The mission of the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI) is to foster and support a knowledge-driven, evidence-based green and digital transition towards a sustainable, competitive, and resilient agricultural sector, rural communities, and food systems in the EU. To achieve this, DG AGRI is responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), ensuring that its economic, environmental, and social goals—rooted in the objectives of the EU Treaty, including guaranteeing food security at all times—are collectively achieved.
- The Pacific Community (SPC) The Pacific Community (SPC) promotes sustainable development by applying a people-centred approach to science, research, and technology across all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We support our members by integrating and leveraging the interconnected areas of climate, ocean, land, culture, rights, and good governance, while fostering trusted partnerships, investing in Pacific people, and ensuring a deep understanding of Pacific contexts. Additionally, as of June 2009, the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) has received 358 accessions of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.
- Brazilian Agriculture Research Corporation (Embrapa) The Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) was founded by the Brazilian federal government in 1973 to develop a technological framework for tropical agriculture and livestock farming. Its mission has been to ensure food security for Brazil and secure a prominent position in the global markets for food, fiber, and energy. Today, Embrapa is one of the world’s largest agricultural research organizations, with more than 50 years of contributions centered on innovation, efficiency, sustainability, and social inclusion. Embrapa has notified the Secretary that, as of May 7, 2009, 2,377 accessions from five different collections maintained by Embrapa have been included in the Multilateral System under the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).
- Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE) CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) is an academic institution focused on innovation and sustainable development in agriculture, natural resource management, and conservation. With over 75 years of experience, initially as the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and since 1973 as CATIE, our work supports the Latin American and Caribbean regions. We combine education, research, and outreach to promote Inclusive Green Development, enhance well-being, and reduce rural poverty.
This section refers to the conservation and management of the genetic diversity of crop landraces within traditional farming systems.
- International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is committed to eliminating poverty and hunger in communities dependent on rice-based agricultural systems. Through its research and partnerships, IRRI seeks to improve the health and well-being of rice farmers and consumers, promote environmental sustainability in the face of climate change, and empower women and youth in the rice industry. As of October 2006, the Multilateral System of the ITPGRFA has received 117,417 accessions of plant genetic material from IRRI.
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) CIMMYT is a leading, non-profit organization focused on addressing global food security challenges. It works to improve the productivity, quality, and sustainability of key cereals such as maize, wheat, sorghum, and millets, especially in the Global South, through applied agricultural science and strategic partnerships. By doing so, CIMMYT helps enhance the resilience and livelihoods of resource-poor farmers, contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive agrifood system. As of October 2006, the Multilateral System of the ITPGRFA has received 164,326 accessions of plant genetic material.
- Farmers' Seed Network (RSP) The Farmers' Seed Network (RSP) is a collective of over seventy organizations, all dedicated to promoting and protecting agricultural biodiversity and the traditional knowledge associated with it. In addition to coordinating and strengthening local initiatives, the network advocates for collective management systems and the protection of farmer seeds, as well as the scientific and legal recognition of traditional seed-saving and exchange practices. The network supports grassroots movements that revive, distribute, and protect farmer varieties and the associated knowledge. These collectives are creating new seed systems that foster agricultural biodiversity and autonomy, as a response to the industry's monopoly on seeds and its patented GMOs.
- Junior Farmer Field and Life Schools (JFFLS) Junior Farmer Field and Life Schools (JFFLS) teach vulnerable children and youth not just farming, but life skills, social tools, and self-confidence. Using theatre, dance, and role-playing, JFFLS address sensitive issues like abuse and child labour, often engaging communities with public performances. JFFLS also promote progressive values such as gender equality. Created by FAO during the HIV/AIDS crisis to support orphans and vulnerable children, JFFLS evolved from the FAO’s Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and an adult life school in Cambodia. After pilot testing in Mozambique and Kenya in 2004, the program expanded to over 500 schools across 12 countries by 2009, graduating more than 20,000 youth.
- Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI) The Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI) is a department within the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) focused on agricultural research. ZARI's primary goal is to develop agricultural production technologies that are appropriate for all categories of farmers and various farming environments. Special emphasis is placed on small-scale and emerging farmers, who often have limited access to information on existing technologies. The Zambia Agriculture Research Institute has notified the Secretary that twelve collections, comprising a total of 4,340 accessions, are included in the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).
- Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) is a leading pan-African research center focused on improving rice productivity and profitability in Africa. By enhancing rice-based agri-food systems, AfricaRice helps reduce poverty, improve food and nutrition security, and boost the livelihoods of farmers across the continent. As part of CGIAR, a global partnership for food security, it also supports sustainable resource management. As of October 2006, the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) has received 26,098 accessions of plant genetic material from AfricaRice.
- Ethio-Organic Seed Action (EOSA) Ethio-Organic Seed Action (EOSA) is a non-profit NGO founded in 2002 with the aim of promoting sustainable management and use of indigenous agro-biodiversity in Ethiopia. Focused on local seed security, EOSA works across diverse agroecological systems to safeguard and enhance Ethiopia's indigenous crop varieties. The organization has earned the prestigious Slow Food International Award for its significant contributions to in situ conservation and the recovery of local crop varieties, helping preserve Ethiopia's agricultural heritage and supporting sustainable farming practices. EOSA’s ongoing efforts empower farmers, support local communities, and highlight the importance of agro-biodiversity for resilient food systems.
- Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBI) The Plant Genetic Resources Center, Ethiopia (PGRC/E) was founded in May 1976 through a bilateral technical cooperation agreement between the Governments of Ethiopia and Germany. Its primary goal was to safeguard the nation's plant genetic resources from the negative effects of human activities and natural disasters, thereby supporting crop improvement initiatives. In 1998, it was reorganized into the Institute of Biodiversity Conservation and Research (EBIR), expanding its mandate to include the implementation of Ethiopia's commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). In 2004, the institute was restructured again and is currently known as the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBI). By 2030, EBI aims to become a Center of Excellence for Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use in Africa.
- Kenya Seed Savers Network Kenya Seed Savers Network believes that access to a wide variety of seeds is crucial for enhancing food sovereignty, resilience, and sustainability in agriculture. Its goal is to empower farmers by providing them with the resources and knowledge needed to cultivate diverse crops, thereby preserving biodiversity and adapting to changing climate conditions. By promoting diverse seed access, Kenya Seed Savers Network aims to build resilient farming systems that can withstand environmental challenges, improve nutrition, and support livelihoods. Its commitment is to make a meaningful impact on the agricultural landscape in Kenya, fostering a future where farmers have the tools and resources to grow healthy, abundant crops.
- South Africa Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) The South Africa Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) is a government body responsible for promoting and regulating the country's agricultural, forestry, and fisheries sectors. The department's primary mission is to ensure food security, sustainable resource use, and rural development by supporting farmers, communities, and industries involved in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. It plays a key role in the development and implementation of policies and programs that address issues like food production, biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, and rural job creation. DAFF works to strengthen South Africa’s position as a leading agricultural producer and exporter while ensuring the sustainable management of its natural resources.
- Gumbu Community Seed Bank The Gumbu Village Community Seed Bank, established in October 2015, is managed by a group of 40 women farmers who focus on preserving nutritious crops and varieties that are well-suited for traditional dishes. These crops require minimal inputs, are resistant to drought, pests, and diseases, have a short growing cycle, and can be stored for extended periods. This initiative allows the community to maintain a diverse range of crop species and varieties passed down from previous generations, ensuring food security for their households, generating additional income, and providing the opportunity to test improved varieties in the near future.
- Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA) PABRA is dedicated to beans. It believes that beans can enhance food security, income, and health for smallholder farmers and urban populations across Africa, while also improving soil fertility. Additionally, PABRA is committed to increasing the competitiveness of bean markets to provide consumers with better products and contribute to the economic growth of its member countries. Working with over 350 partners and members in 30 countries, PABRA is making a significant impact. Together, PABRA delivers better beans for Africa.
- Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) is a state corporation established to provide innovative research in agriculture and livestock sectors in Kenya. KALRO conducts research to improve food security, enhance agricultural productivity, and increase the competitiveness of agricultural products in the market. It works to develop and promote better farming practices, pest and disease control, and improved breeds of livestock and crops, to boost the incomes of farmers and support the nation's agricultural development.
- Farmers' Seed Network (FSN) Farmers’ Seed Network (FSN) was founded in 2013, emerging from Participatory Action Research by the Center for Chinese Agricultural Policy (CCAP-CAS), the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), and the Maize Research Institute of Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences (GMRI) in Southwest China. FSN is a pioneering organization in applying participatory research methods to agrobiodiversity and natural resource management in China. In October 2018, FSN was officially registered as a non-governmental organization in Nanning, Guangxi. As a non-profit, FSN has worked in over 30 rural communities across 10 provinces to preserve farmers' seed commons, support community-based seed conservation and sustainable use, and foster collaboration between farmers and plant scientists to strengthen seed systems, improve livelihoods, and promote national seed security. FSN’s work is gaining increasing recognition from local, provincial, national governments, and the international community.
- Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, Research and Development (LI-BIRD) Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, Research and Development (LI-BIRD) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization founded in 1995 in Pokhara, Nepal. Dedicated to supporting local initiatives for the sustainable management of natural resources, LI-BIRD works to improve the livelihoods of marginalized rural communities, with a special focus on women farmers. LI-BIRD has been a leader in promoting participatory approaches to research and development in agriculture, climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable resource management, with an emphasis on environmental, gender, and social equity. Since its establishment, the organization has successfully completed more than 200 projects.
- Deendayal Research Institute The Deendayal Research Institute (DRI) is dedicated to socio-economic and applied research. Founded in 1968 by the statesman, social scientist, and philosopher Rashtrarishi Nanaji Deshmukh, the Institute has worked tirelessly to bring to life the principles articulated by the late Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya through his philosophy of "Integral Humanism." Over the course of more than four and a half decades, DRI has conducted pioneering research on a wide range of topics impacting rural communities. These include agriculture, water conservation, livestock development, rural entrepreneurship, skill development, education, health and hygiene, social behavior, fostering scientific thinking among children, and identifying and adapting suitable technologies for rural development.
- Stone Village Community Seed Bank (China) The Stone Village Community Seed Bank (China) is an initiative focused on preserving traditional agricultural practices and promoting food security in rural communities. The seed bank allows local farmers to store and exchange seeds of native and heirloom crop varieties that are well-suited to the local environment. These varieties are often drought-resistant, pest-resistant, and well-adapted to traditional farming techniques in the region. The goal of the seed bank is to safeguard agricultural biodiversity, improve crop resilience, and support sustainable farming practices. By providing a platform for seed exchange and preservation, the Stone Village Community Seed Bank helps ensure that farmers can maintain a diverse range of crops, safeguard food sovereignty, and promote self-reliance in the community.
- Mahadevashwara CSB & seed producer Group The community seed bank at Therubeedi was established over a decade ago to support the GREEN Foundation’s mission of enhancing food and nutritional security for rural farmers by conserving agricultural genetic resources. In [Year], the Mahadeshwara Samdaya Beejabank producer group was formed to continue this work. This all-women group focuses on cultivating, selecting, and packaging traditional and rare seed varieties for sale to local farmers and through Janadhanya, an association that connects farmers for agro-biodiversity conservation, market access, and promoting organic farming. To date, the group has conserved over 90 varieties of vegetables and millets, with a demo plot showcasing over 70 local ragi and millet varieties. Based in Therubeedi, Kodihalli division, this 10-member group produces and markets seeds from local, indigenous crops, which are available through Janadhanya and used for GREEN Foundation's projects.
- Let's Liberate Diversity It is an international non-profit organization dedicated to the dynamic management of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.
- Rete Semi Rurali (RSR) National - Italy. Rete Semi Rurali - the Italian Farmers' Seeds Network - was established in 2007 and it currently consists of 34 associations.
- Swiss Foundation for the Cultural-Historical and Genetic Diversity of Plants and Animals (ProSpecieRara - PSR) ProSpecieRara (PSR) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving agricultural biodiversity since 1982. With over 4,000 volunteers and many businesses and institutions, it forms a national conservation network. Explore where rare vegetables are grown, woolly pigs and other breeds are raised, and where to buy ProSpecieRara products or visit Ark farms and educational gardens. ProSpecieRara works with volunteer breeders and multipliers to safeguard the genetic and cultural diversity of plants and farm animals for future generations.
- Andalusian Seed Network (RAS) The Andalusian Seed Network "Cultivando Biodiversidad" (RAS) carries out various activities across Andalusia, including raising awareness of the region's agricultural genetic heritage through events like the Andalusian Agricultural Biodiversity Fair, promoting seed exchange through a community seed bank, and preserving traditional farming knowledge through interviews with older farmers, documented in the Rural Knowledge Memory Bank of Andalusia (BaMeCoRA). RAS also publishes materials on cultivated biodiversity, organizes workshops and tastings to promote local varieties, and conducts research on organic and agroecological farming. The network manages a resource center on rural knowledge and biodiversity, collaborates with organizations working for food sovereignty, and participates in the Platform for Transgenic-Free Andalusia (PALT). RAS also supports other seed networks as part of the national "Resowing and Exchanging" network, linking over 20 collectives across Spain.
- Arche Noah (AN) Arche Noah was founded in 1990 by a group of heirloom gardeners, farmers, and journalists concerned about the future of seeds and heirloom varieties. Over the past century, the diversity of our cultivated plants has drastically declined worldwide due to the industrialization of agriculture, with more than 75% of varieties already lost. Today, this precious heritage is further threatened by genetic engineering, seed monopolies, climate change, and wars. Arche Noah responds to the loss of agro-biodiversity with a positive outlook and a wide range of activities. Everyone can contribute to preserving this diversity by cultivating endangered varieties in our gardens, raising consumer awareness, and promoting political engagement.
- DIVERSIFOOD DIVERSIFOOD aims to assess and enhance the diversity of cultivated plants within different agroecosystems to improve their performance, resilience, and quality through a multi-actor approach. By integrating experienced networks and focusing on relevant case studies across Europe, the project will strengthen food culture and improve the economic viability of local supply chains, resulting in a greater diversity of produce with a distinct cultural identity. Thanks to the composition of its consortium, DIVERSIFOOD will cover the entire food chain, from genetic resources to marketing, connecting and amplifying existing local efforts. The project will develop specific concepts and methodologies for combining in situ experiments to optimize performance and quality. It will also evaluate the genetic resources of several underutilized and forgotten plant species, suitable for organic and low-input agriculture, as well as marginal or specific growing conditions. Additionally, various combinations of underutilized legumes and cereals will be tested.
- Association for Nature and Sustainable Development (ANDES) ANDES seeks to promote a conservation and sustainable development approach rooted in the Andean principle of Sumaq Kawsay, by establishing Biocultural Territories. The organization's goal is to build local capacities and provide strategic responses to the socio-economic, cultural, ecological, and political impacts of globalization on local communities, while safeguarding their resources, traditional knowledge, and the rights associated with these resources.
The list below offers leads to other websites relevant to plant genetic resources conservation and development.
- Pluto Plant Variety Database The PLUTO database of Svalbard plant varieties offers information about the protected plant varieties. Hence, it also provides information on those that were protected and that at a certain point become available.
- European Information System on Forest Genetic Resources EUFGIS provides geo-referenced information on the conservation of forest genetic resources in Europe and access to detailed data on dynamic gene conservation units of forest trees in different countries. The data is provided and frequently updated by national focal points based on pan-European minimum requirements and data standards for the units. EUFGIS serves as a documentation platform linking national inventories on forest genetic resources in Europe. This supports the countries in their efforts to conserve forest genetic resources as part of sustainable forest management, as agreed in the context of Forest Europe, the pan-European forest policy process.
- Pl@ntNet Pl@ntNet is an application that helps users identify plants by analyzing photos. It allows users to compare their images with a vast database of plant species and provides information about their characteristics and habitats.