Integration of Conservation Strategies of Plant Genetic ... - Genres

public awareness. The group also stressed the need for genebanks to document aspects of usage
and cultivation in addition to phenology and provenance.
Participants discussed examples from around the world, particularly less-developed countries, of
collaborations between genebanks, breeders and farmers, to use existing plant genetic resources
to create new varieties shaped by the needs of the farmers. While there was much debate on the
nature and value systems of different modes of agriculture, and the need for land reform, the
group was generally reluctant to enter into this kind of on-farm use of plant genetic resources.
During group discussions several questions for further consideration were raised. Many might
usefully form the subjects of future meetings and of efforts to gather and collate material. A
sample of these topics would include:
• Can farmers regenerate genebank stocks efficiently?
• Can amateurs be trained to carry out assessments and characterisation?
• What mechanisms exist to encourage consumers to use variety identifiers, especially in the
promotion of regional specialities?
• How can genebanks improve their documentation of traditional patterns of use and
cultivation?
• What mechanisms exist within nationally designated reserves to encourage the conservation
and utilisation of a greater diversity of plant genetic resources?
• Can the use of regionally adapted varieties be linked to traditional methods of farming?
• Can genebanks play a part in mitigating the negative impact of the introduction of genetically
uniform crops and varieties?
• Can genebanks work with farmers to increase the yields of traditional landraces grown in
traditional systems?
• What opportunities exist for increasing public awareness of the issues around plant genetic
resources through the use of shows and exhibitions, local fields days, open days at genebanks,
living museums, historic houses and gardens, botanic gardens, and the like?
In the final analysis, the group agreed that, at least within the European Union, the biggest single
barrier to enhanced on-farm conservation was legal; existing plant variety legislation makes it
almost impossible for the farmer to derive any economic benefit from the conservation of plant
genetic resources. A change in this legislation would have a great impact, even if it did not
promote an increased diversity of plant genetic resources on the farm, but merely permitted it
instead of preventing it.
As a first step, the group urges the European Parliament to use whatever mechanisms it can to
assess the impact of existing legislation on the conservation and utilisation of plant genetic
resources, and to consider additional systems if appropriate.