Division 4.3 Animal genetic resources

Establishment of a web-based, permanent and widely accessible European network of national inventories of animal genetic resources ex situ and in situ/on farm taking into account activities within the framework of the European National Coordinators for animal genetic resources and linked to the FAO/DAD-IS system.

Development of European-wide standardised and comparable criteria to identify the national priorities for action in the field of sustainable conservation and utilisation of animal genetic resources and related requirements for international cooperation.

Establishment of European cryo-conserves for animal genetic resources based upon national or institutional cryo-conserves.

Characterisation and evaluation of animal genetic resources (species and breeds) used or potentially useful for food and agriculture.

Establishment of a standardised European performance testing regime for animal genetic resources in agriculture, and documentation of characteristics of endangered farm animal breeds and populations.

Establishment and coordination of a European-wide network of ‘ark farms’, rescue-stations and farm animal parks for endangered European farm animal breed;

Development of common cross-national breeding programmes for endangered breeds and populations. Establishment of rules for the exchange of information, genetic material and breeding animals.

Development of strategies which support the enhancement of profitability of local breeds in order to develop links between local breeds and their typical products, to identify and to promote the value of local breeds for their environmental services (e.g. landscape conservation, agro-ecosystems management) and for their contribution to the multifunctional character of agriculture (e.g. maintenance of rural cultural diversity, rural development and tourism, etc.).

Development of strategies which promote the utilisation of under-utilised animal genetic resources that could be of interest on a European level.