On January 15, 2021, the Minister of Rural Affairs approved the national program for the collection, conservation, and sustainable use of agricultural genetic resources for the years 2021–2027.

Click here to view the program (in Estonian). Estonian PGR programme (in English).

Agricultural genetic resources play a vital role in preserving biodiversity and cultural heritage. Over the next seven years, the program aims to increase focus on public awareness regarding genetic resources and expanding the use of heritage varieties. A new strategic direction introduced in the current program is the conservation and study of crop wild relatives (CWR).

“The conservation and study of Estonian heritage varieties and crop wild relatives is essential, as it contributes to the preservation of biodiversity and ensures our ability to restore agricultural production even in the event of significant losses caused by pests or other environmental factors,” stated Arvo Aller, the Minister of Rural Affairs, upon signing the program.

“Expanding the use of genetic resources contributes to the diversification of our food supply, food security, plant breeding, and the preservation of our cultural heritage. Thanks to the activities carried out under this program, Estonia’s agricultural genetic resources are also securely stored in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault,” Aller added.

The program is implemented by research institutions dedicated to the conservation of agricultural genetic resources:

  • The Gene Bank of the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture (METK), which conserves and studies the genetic resources of cereals, legumes, oilseeds, grasses, and vegetables.

  • The Polli Horticultural Research Centre of the Estonian University of Life Sciences, which focuses on fruit and berry crops.

  • The University of Tartu Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden, with a focus on the conservation and study of the genetic resources of aromatic, medicinal, and ornamental plants.

 
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