The Farm Animal Genetic Resources Committee (FAnGR) was established in 2008 as a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) with participation from the devolved administrations. Following a Government review in 2010 the Committee was reclassified as a Departmental Expert Committee.

The UK’s Farm Animal Genetic Resources (FAnGR) – its farm animal breeds, strains and varieties, and the variability within them – are of great economic, social and cultural importance. For these reasons alone it is important that we care for them. Additionally, we have national and international obligations to do so.

FAnGR Committee Terms of Reference

The Farm Animal Genetic Resources Committee will provide advice to Defra and the Devolved Administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on all issues relating to farm animal genetic resources (FAnGR) particularly its conservation and sustainable use.

For these purposes, FAnGR will include cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry and equines but exclude wild animals, pets, and other minor domestic species.  The Committee may provide general advice on apiculture and aquaculture, seeking advice from other experts in these areas as appropriate.

The Committee’s role will include assisting Defra and the Devolved Administrations to update the UK Country Report on Farm Animal Genetic Resources including the inventory of farm animal genetic resources which is included in the report.

As an Expert Committee of Defra, the Committee will:

• provide advice to, and work collaboratively with, officials and key office holders such as the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA), the Chief Veterinary Officer or the Chief Economist, and delivery partners (e.g. Defra agencies, other departments and their agencies, the devolved administrations, other public bodies, and EU and international technical and expert groups).
• Contribute to developing the evidence base, analysing and interpreting evidence and providing judgements on quality and relevance.
• Working strategically, help to: identify future issues of concern; provide advice and interpretation on state and impacts; connect to related agendas both in other Government Departments and elsewhere in business and civic society.
• Input to policy development and evaluation by Defra and the Devolved Administrations in areas covered by its remit, by helping, where relevant, to: assess the impacts of different policy options; undertake risk assessment; assess new regulations and deregulation; and develop voluntary initiatives.
• Assist with technical support for Defra e.g. in relation to EU technical groups and research projects, including advising on scope for specific projects and research.
• Contribute to best practice advice and formal guidance e.g. for industry, business, civil society, voluntary organisations, local communities etc.
• Help Defra, its delivery partners and the Chief Scientific Adviser as appropriate, in responding to emergency situations by providing expert advice and opinion as necessary.
• Report to Defra’s Chief Scientific Adviser: Chairs of expert committees will meet annually with the Chief Scientific Adviser and provide an annual summary of the work of the Committee for the Science Advisory Council’s Annual Report.
• Provide independent advice and operate in line with the Government’s Principles for Scientific Advice and the Code of Practice for Scientific Advisory Committees (CoPSAC).

In the course of its work the Committee may publish reports and advice.  Publication will normally be through Defra channels. The Committee will also be expected to contribute to departmental reports, publications or guidance.