Page 35 - Green knowledge 2024

Photo: Oda Spongsveen
Status of Norwegian genetic resources 2023
Did you know there are 37 livestock breeds in Norway at risk of extinction? Or that
Norwegian field gene banks safeguard over 30 different types of redcurrants, Jerusalem
artichokes, and hops? You can learn more about this in the new Nøkkeltallrapport (“Key
Figures Report”) from the Norwegian Genetic Resource Centre.
Genetic resources are heritable biological materials
that have, or could have, value for humans. They are
the biological foundation of all agriculture. Over the
last century, genetic traits have been studied and
used to develop modern livestock breeds and plant
varieties with improved production traits.
Modern food production relies on fewer species,
breeds, and varieties than before, leading to reduced
diversity and the loss of essential genetic resources.
National genetic resources at risk refer to species,
varieties, or breeds considered that are at risk of dis-
appearing.
“The loss of genetic diversity in agriculture poses a
risk to current and future food security. Preventing
further loss is both a critical global and national
goal,” says Linn Borgen Nilsen, Head of the Norwe-
gian Genetic Resource Centre at NIBIO.
Crops, forest trees, and livestock are conserved in
different ways. Some are safeguarded in gene banks,
some conserved in nature, and others maintained in
production.
In Norway, we have a system that ensures oversight
of genetic resources in both conservation and pro-
duction. The Norwegian Genetic Resource Centre
monitors the status and trends of genetic diversity
within livestock, crops, and forest trees.
“The Key Figures Report offers tables, graphs, and
status updates and serves as a reference for those
working with genetic resources for food and agricul-
ture,” says Nilsen.
To manage genetic resources effectively, we must
know what we have, ensure their conservation, and
promote their use.
Purpose: Funding: Contact: The Norwegian Genetic Resource Centre works to safeguard genetic diversity as an insurance
against future challenges, such as climate change and emerging diseases.
Ministry of Agriculture and Food
Head of Norwegian Genetic Resource Centre Linn Borgen Nilsen, Division of Survey and Statistics.
Email: linn.nilsen@nibio.no | Phone: +47 413 88 502
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