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The Seed and Plant Genetic Resources Service manages programmes for seed policies, seed improvement, seed production, seed security and germplasm exchange, and supports the FAO Global System on Conservation and Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources.

We collaborate with the Secretariat to the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA). This is an inter-governmental forum where countries discuss and negotiate issues concerning plant genetic resources, and advise FAO. We monitor the development of the International Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources and the Global System on Plant Genetic Resources, and lead the FAO Special Action Programme on Seeds: Sustainable Seed Development Programme (SSDP).

We provide advice and technical assistance to member governments on:

• appropriate seed policies to build up and improve national seed and planting material supply systems;

• programmes for the production and supply of seed and planting material;

• improved technologies, regulations and standards covering all aspects of seed improvement, production, quality control, processing, storage, distribution and use, including on-farm seed production and seed security;

• collecting and disseminating information on seed and plant genetic resources through global databases, technical meetings, training activities and publications as well as exchange of germplasm;

  

• prepare periodic reports on the State of the World's Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and the rolling Global Plan of Action;

• assist in specific activies related to collection, evaluation, conservation, regeneration and use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

• develop the (PDF format) International Network of Ex Situ Collections under the auspices of FAO including national and international germplasm collections;

• promote cooperation between countries through Regional, Inter-regional and Global Crop-related Networks aiming to identify, evaluate and preserve genetic variability of particular agricultural crops;

• further develop the World Information and Early Warning System on Plant Genetic Resources (WIEWS) ;

  

Seed and Planting Material Development
Conservation and Management of Plant Genetic Resources

For further information please contact Mr. Arturo J. Martinez, Service Chief.