The Collection, Evaluation and Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources

Report on the findings of a meeting of a TAC Ad Hoc Working Group held at the USDA Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland in March 1972. The working group was asked to provide advice on an action program for the conservation of plant genetic resources. It recommended a global network of genetic resource centers, involving both developed and developing countries, composed of a number of existing and planned regional and crop specific institutes. The network would be guided by an expert Coordinating Committee selected by TAC, and based at FAO Headquarters in Rome under a trust fund to ensure its independence. Program objectives, priorities by crop and by region, proposed structure and relations with its host FAO, and budget proposal for its first three years. Working group TOR and attendance at meeting attached. Agenda item presented at TAC Third Meeting, April 1972

Plant Genetic Resources in the CGIAR

Paper revised from a version considered at TAC 41 by an Ad hoc Working Group on Plant Genetic Resources composed of TAC and Center representatives. The paper deals with the roles of IBPGR and the nine commodity-oriented IARCs in the international collection, evaluation, and preservation of plant genetic resources. This ad hoc group recommended the establishment of a continuing Inter-Center Working Group on Plant Genetic Resources composed of representatives of the ten centers, with a TAC observer. The continuing working group would advise TAC and the center directors on twelve specified issues. The paper includes a table of genetic resource activities at the IARCs by commodity. Agenda document at TAC 41 and TAC 42, October-November 1986, and March 1987