ASPB and 93 other organizations recently sent a letter to US Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials in support of for the U.S. National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS), a program managed by the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) focused on conserving and distributing plant genetic resources. The NGPS maintains a diverse collection of plant germplasm, including crops, fruits, vegetables, industrial crops, and more. “The true value of the NPGS goes beyond merely storage for specimens,” the letter states. “As a dynamic, living seed bank, the NPGS serves as an unparalleled source where U.S. farmers, companies, and researchers can request access to diverse plant materials at any time, thus powering innovation through plant breeding, research, and public-private partnerships.”
The letter urges the USDA to maintain the NPGS as a top priority research program. “Consistent support for the NPGS is essential to maintain the United States’ global leadership in agricultural research and development (R&D) and the foundation of our nation’s ability to develop new crop varieties, respond to emerging agricultural threats, and deliver innovative solutions to U.S. farmers,” the letter states.
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