Biotech Updates

USDA Germplasm Center Celebrates 50th Anniversary

August 22, 2008

The National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation (NCGRP) of the US Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) celebrated its 50th anniversary and was recognized by the Colorado Senate as globally renowned for its scientific research, preservation efforts and service. The center maintains the genetic diversity of the world’s crops and livestock that is distributed nationally and internationally to improve agricultural productivity, fight hunger, improve nutrition, reduce pesticide use and restore ecosystems.

In its 50 years of operation the center has made major contributions in the development of freezer and cryogenic storage of plant germplasm and in establishing new protocols to capture and preserve genetic diversity of crops and livestock. "These efforts continue to benefit the United States and the world by ensuring that diverse animal and crop germplasm is available to breeders and researchers," said ARS Administrator Edward B. Knipling.

See press release for more information at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2008/080819.htm