National Genetic Resources Program
Stored: National Genetic Resources Program
| Type | Program |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Organization | Agricultural Research Service |
| Top Organization | Department of Agriculture |
| Creation Legislation | Farm Bill |
| Website | Website |
| Purpose | |
| Program Start | |
| Initial Funding | |
| Duration | |
| Historic | No |
National Genetic Resources Program (NGRP) focuses on the preservation and utilization of genetic resources essential for agricultural sustainability and food security. It manages a vast array of genetic materials, including seeds, plants, animals, and microbes, which are crucial for genetic research and breeding programs.
Goals
- To acquire, characterize, and conserve genetic resources for future use.
- To document and distribute these resources to the scientific community.
- Success metrics include the number of accessions conserved, the diversity of genetic materials available, and the usage of these resources in research and breeding.
Organization
The NGRP operates under a cooperative framework involving multiple federal, state, and academic institutions. It is primarily managed by the USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS), with the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) serving as a key database. Funding is secured through federal appropriations, with additional support from partnerships with universities and industry.
Impact and Outcomes
The program has significantly contributed to agriculture by providing genetic materials that have led to the development of disease-resistant crops, improved livestock breeds, and enhanced microbial strains. Challenges include managing the diversity and volume of genetic resources and ensuring their long-term viability. Unintended consequences might include the loss of genetic diversity in nature due to over-reliance on preserved genetic stocks.
Sponsor
Background and History
Originally authorized by the 1990 Farm Bill, the NGRP was established to safeguard the genetic diversity of species important for agriculture. It has evolved from a focus on plant genetic resources to include animal and microbial genetics. Key historical events include the expansion of its scope in the early 2000s to include animal germplasm. The program's sustainability is ensured through ongoing federal support and international collaborations.
Funding for the NGRP has been consistent since its inception, with allocations included in the regular USDA budget cycles. There's no set end date for funding, reflecting its status as an ongoing program.
The program's budget is managed through the USDA's ARS, with specific allocations for conservation, research, and distribution activities. No significant financial controversies have been publicly noted.
Implementation
Implementation involves collecting and curating genetic materials, maintaining them under controlled conditions, and making them accessible to scientists worldwide. There is no defined end date as it operates indefinitely to preserve genetic diversity.
The leader of the NGRP holds the position of National Program Leader for Plant Germplasm and serves within the ARS.
See Also
External Links
The Wikipedia article about this program does not exist, but related information could be found under wikipedia:National Plant Germplasm System.
Social media
- No official social media accounts were found for this program.