Summary of the Interim Evaluation of the Genetic Resources Program
A seminar preparing for the interim evaluation of the “Collection, Preservation, and Use of Agricultural Genetic Resources Program 2021–2027” was held at the EMU Polli Horticultural Research Centre. The event was moderated by Liis Sipelgas, Head of the Research and Development Department at the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, and Program Coordinator Kadri Kask.
Participants included Külli Annamaa, Vahur Kukk, Liisa Kübarsepp, Kristiina Laanemets, Larissa Sirel, and Marko Kass from the Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge (METK); Olesja Escuer and Jüri Sild from the Botanical Garden; and Ave Kikas, Hedi Kaldmäe, Kersti Kahu, and Toivo Univer from the Polli Horticultural Research Centre, who are directly involved in the program’s implementation.
Külli Annamaa, Head of the Gene Bank at METK, provided an overview of the fulfillment of international obligations undertaken by Estonia within the framework of the program. The program fulfills obligations arising from international treaties for the Republic of Estonia, including:
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), ratified by Estonia in 1994.
The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), signed by Estonia in 2004.
The Second Global Plan of Action for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Second GPA), approved by the FAO Commission on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA). Click here to open the presentation: GR_Polli_RV_v.
K. Annamaa presented a summary of the program’s results at the Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge. Ave Kikas, the program coordinator, reported on the results of the work at the Polli Horticultural Research Centre. Olesja Escuer, a gardener from the University of Tartu Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden, presented a report on the botanical garden’s work in collecting and preserving the genetic resources of ornamental plants.
The discussion regarding the analysis of the program’s activities was led by Liis Sipelgas. It was collectively concluded that the main objectives of the program have been met by all participating institutions. When planning activities for the next period, it is necessary to focus more on the research and description of accessions’ characteristics, as well as on broader scientific research. L. Sipelgas provided an overview of plans for funding research and development, along with potential changes in the funding of the genetic resources program.