Norwegian Genetic Resources Centre

The Norwegian Genetic Resource Centre coordinates expertise and activities regarding the conservation and utilisation of national genetic resources. The centre has been commissioned to contribute to the effective management of genetic resources in farm animals, crop plants and forest trees. It acts also as an advisory body for the Norwegian Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

The Norwegian Genetic Resource Centre was established by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture as a department of the Norwegian Forest and Landscape Institute. The centre is the secretariat for the Norwegian Genetic Resource Council and for three genetic resource committees within farm animals, crop plants and forest trees. In cooperation with these bodies, the Genetic Resource Centre prepares and follows up action plans for the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources.

The Genetic Resource Centre's responsibilities include, moreover, coordination of activities and priorities linked to genetic resource management, communication of knowledge about genetic resources, and to show how genetic resources can be safeguarded through use and specific conservation measures. The Genetic Resource Centre follows up these efforts in Nordic and international bodies, and coordinates national and Nordic work on genetic resource management.