Genetic Resource Management.  Higher plant, microbial and insect germplasm should be acquired and safeguarded through the expansion of genebanks or in situ preserves for long-term accessibility.  The genetic content of acquired germplasm should be characterized to insure broad-spectrum genetic variability while minimizing genetic redundancy.  The agricultural potential of unimproved germplasm must be assessed.

Genomic Characterization and Genetic Improvement.  Sources of useful and important genes should be identified and incorporated into crop germplasm.  The genetic bases of crop, microbial and beneficial insect genepools should be broadened through genetic improvement, to combat potential losses due to pests, diseases, and stresses imposed by the natural environment. The underlying genetic bases of key agronomic/horticultural traits should be elucidated, because that information may greatly facilitate the deployment of such traits in improved germplsm.  The long-term economic value of genetic material available for use by plant breeders and other scientists thereby should be be increased.

Genome Databases and Bioinformatics.  Genomic databases and bioinformmatic tools are essential for the management of new genetic information that is generated at an increasingly rapid rate.  Genomic and DNA sequence analysis of model species should be melded with similar analyses of agricultural organisms.  Development of new bioinformatic software to manage DNA sequence information should be continuously fostered.  Software to store, process and organize the data generated by these activities should also be further developed.  Infrastructure will be developed that provides collaborative links through computer networks among ARS laboratories, universities, the private sector and other government research facilities.