EIP-AGRI Brochure Cooperating for genetic resources

Genetic resources play a valuable role in creating a diverse and economically viable agro-food value chain. The genetic basis of breeds and crops in our agricultural landscapes can be enlarged by using and promoting newly developed seeds and breeds that are more resilient, and by (re)introducing traditional breeds and crops in the value chain by making them commercially viable. By exploring existing and new cooperation between farmers, breeders, researchers, conservationists (for instance gene banks), seed and agro-food industries, as well as retailers and consumers, knowledge can be shared more efficiently. This brochure provides examples of successful cooperation in the field of animal and plant genetic resources, hoping to inspire people to test new methods of cooperating and find ideas for potential Operational Groups or other innovative projects in the field of genetic resources. Hungarian translation courtesy of Földművelésügyi Minisztérium (Ministry of Agriculture of Hungary), Spanish translation courtesy of IFAPA (Instituto Andaluz de Investigación y Formación Agraria y Pesquera).