Funding Network Reports on Plant Genomic Initiatives

There is a need to increase focus on “understudied and orphan crops” where there are very few genomic resources and linking partners and donors to develop these tools in a cost effective manner. This was forwarded by a report of the ERA-NET Plant Genomics, a network of funding organizations from European countries and Israel, on “Plant genomics meets new challenges.” ERA-PG aims to provide critical mass to the plant genomics field to sustain a competitive position.

Other concerns raised were the need to address the poor genomics/plant breeding research infrastructure in developing countries; and increase opportunity for capacity building for scientists from developing countries. Download a copy of the report at http://www.erapg.org/publicfiles/16788_16_Report_forward_look.pdf.

Meanwhile, ERA-PG has announced a call for high quality fundamental research proposals oriented towards building the knowledge base. Funding is aimed at helping plant genomics-based technologies answer biological questions of relevance to the development of a competitive European bio-economy. Deadline for proposals is on April 2, 2008. Additional information may be obtained from http://www.erapg.org/everyone.