In response to an initiative proposed by the European Parliament in 2013, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development launched two significant “Preparatory Actions on EU Plant and Animal Genetic Resources in Agriculture.” These actions were carried out between 2013 and 2019 and aimed at addressing key challenges and opportunities associated with conserving Europe’s agricultural genetic diversity.
The first preparatory action focused on enhancing communication, knowledge exchange, and networking among a wide range of stakeholders involved in the conservation of genetic resources in agriculture. This included farmers, researchers, policymakers, and other interested parties. The goal was to foster a collaborative environment where ideas and best practices could be shared, ultimately strengthening efforts to preserve valuable genetic resources, such as traditional plant varieties and animal breeds, that are at risk of being lost due to modern agricultural practices.
The second preparatory action was dedicated to exploring the unique challenges and economic potential of Europe’s often-overlooked agricultural genetic resources. This study sought to better understand the stakes involved in the conservation of these neglected breeds and varieties, many of which possess unique qualities that could be harnessed for economic gain. The study highlighted successful examples where the preservation of rare breeds and plant varieties has been made economically sustainable, offering inspiration and practical guidance for farmers, businesses, and other stakeholders interested in developing similar projects throughout the EU.
To support the dissemination of findings from these initiatives, this website was created to raise awareness about the studies and their outcomes. It serves as a central hub for interested stakeholders to access a wealth of information, including reports, case studies, and analyses produced during the two preparatory actions. Visitors to the site are encouraged to interact with the study team and explore the resources available. All key deliverables, including reports and conclusions, are published in the “Reports & Conclusions” section of the site, with several also available through the European Commission’s EU Bookshop for further public access.
This platform not only provides valuable resources but also seeks to inspire ongoing and future efforts in the conservation and sustainable use of agricultural genetic resources, ensuring that these important assets remain a part of Europe’s rich agricultural heritage.
