Farm Animal Genetic Resources (FAnGR)
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Introduction - Question & Answer
What are genetic resources?
Genetic resources are defined as genetic material of current or potential use. In technical terms "genetic material" refers to any material of plant, microbial or animal origin, including reproductive and vegetative propagating material, containing functional units of heredity;
In everyday terms genetic resources range from, for example, fully mature plants, animals and microbes to seeds, cuttings, conserved embryos, eggs, and semen.
The conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources for food and agriculture is a widely supported international objective contributing to efforts to achieve global poverty elimination and world food security. The UK has a continuing role to play in this area in view of the rich diversity of plant varieties and animal breeds that it possess.
Why are Farm Animal Genetic Resources important?
Livestock farming, and the food industries based on it, have an important social role over and above their massive contribution to the UK economy. The continuing success of this sector depends heavily on the performance of the breeds and strains of farm livestock in use. Therefore, diverse genetic resources are vital as they allow the development of varieties of breeds to cope with new demands which range from increasing productivity to reducing environmental pollution .
The UK's Farm Animal Genetic Resources (FAnGR) have a particular role to play in managing the rural environment and assisting in maintaining wild biological diversity. Our indigenous livestock breeds are of great economic, social and cultural importance. The presence of livestock is a very positive feature for many who live in, work in or visit the countryside and livestock farming is frequently a core activity, on which whole communities depend. The UK has a rich and diverse population of livestock breeds. There are over 160 native breeds of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, horses & ponies in total, of which, approximately 100 are at risk.
Defra's Responsibility
Defra, and in particular, Livestock Strategy Division, is responsible for policy on Farm Animal Genetic Resources for England and Wales. The conservation and use of genetic resources are vital contributions to Defra's objectives of enabling
- A competitive and sustainable food supply chain
- Sustainable, diverse and adaptable farming
- Sustainable management of natural resources
Contact
If you have any queries regarding the content of this information then please contact:
| Meat Trade Advice Unit |
| Area 5 D |
| 9 Millbank, c/o Nobel House, 17 Smith Square |
| London |
| SW1P 3JR |
| email: LSDBranchCEnquires@Defra.GSI.GOV.UK |
Page last modified:
02 September 2005
Page published: 29 March 2005