search our site

home > publications

Agricultural Resources and Environmental Indicators: Crop Genetic Resources Kelly Day-Rubenstein and Paul Heisey No. (AH722) , April 2001 In addition to wildlife, biological resources include the genetic resources used to produce agricultural crops. The relationship between agricultural production and biological resources is two directional. While agricultural production may affect wild biological resources, it also depends on crop and livestock genetic resources, some of which are found in the wild. Crop genetic resources are used by breeders to develop new and improved varieties for farmers. This process of genetic enhancement has produced substantial economic benefits. A strong genetic resource base is important for several reasons, among them the fact that a lack of genetic diversity in farmers' fields, if severe, may increase the risk of pest or disease epidemics. Genetic resources are constantly required as inputs into the continuing process of enhancement through selective breeding (including genetic engineering). Therefore, conservation of crop genetic resources is needed, given their critical role in agricultural production. Keywords: genetic resources, biodiversity, germplasm, biological resources, gene bank, ERS, USDA In this series ... Reports are in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. Chapter 3.2: Crop Genetic Resources, 155 kb. Contents Agriculture's Dependence on Genetic Resources Economic Values of Genetic Resources Measurement of the Benefits of Genetic Resources for Agricultural Production Benefits from Genetic Improvements Genetic Diversity Genetic Resource Conservation In Situ: Benefits and Costs Ex Situ: Benefits and Costs International Access to Genetic Resources Using Public Policy to Enhance Biological Resources Overall Policy Objectives Policies to Protect Genetic Resources U.S. Policies Addressing Internationally Held Genetic Resources References See other chapters in the Agricultural Resources and Environmental Indicators series. web administration: webadmin@ers.usda.gov page updated: October 7, 2003

Ag Chemicals & Production Technology Agribusiness/Industry Concentration Agricultural Market/Trade Projections Agricultural R&D and Productivity Biotechnology Crops Diet, Consumption, & Health Farm Financial & Risk Management Farm Structure, Income, & Performance Farm/Rural Finance & Tax Food & Nutrition Assistance Programs Food Market Structures Food Prices, Spreads & Margins Food Safety International Agriculture Livestock, Dairy, Poultry, Aquaculture Macroeconomics in the Ag & Food Economy Natural Resources, Environment, & Conservation Policy Topics Rural America Trade U.S./State Facts What's New State Facts Calendar of Releases E-Mail Updates Subject Specialists Archive