An overarching Genetic Resources Strategy for Europe, bolstered by individual strategies for plant, animal and forest genetic resources, was launched on 30 November 2021 in Brussels at a meeting of MEPs, EU policymakers and other stakeholders.

The strategies aim to strengthen conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources in Europe, which are the fundamental basis of sustainable agriculture and forestry, food and nutrition security, climate change adaptation, and for supporting Europe’s bioeconomy and competitiveness.

The strategies respond to a call from European Commission to “provide a framework in which the existing mosaic of European, national/regional structures can join forces to develop and implement ambitious approaches and strategies for the management of crop, forest and animal GenRes”.

The overall Genetic Resources Strategy for Europe is a product of GenRes Bridge, funded by the EU under the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme. It brought together 17 partners to draw up a strategic vision that will secure genetic resources and enable Europe to meet its commitments under the European Green Deal, as well as under global policy frameworks and legislative instruments, including the Sustainable Development Goals.