Conservation and sustainable use of agrobiodiversity
Successful long-term conservation and sustainable use of agrobiodiversity require the engagement of a multiplicity of persons and institutions from practice, science, economy, administration and the public. The agrobiodiversity strategy of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the sectoral national programmes for genetic resources describe the necessary measures to achieve this goal.
- On-farm cultivation of old cereals
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All wild species should be primarily conserved in their natural habitats (in situ conservation). Cultivated species and wild species are also conserved outside their natural habitats ex situ. This involves their transfer to special collections in gene banks, botanical and zoological gardens, arboretums and aquariums (ex situ conservation). Based on the principle that the best way to conserve agrobiodiversity is to sustainably use as many of its components and ecological functions as possible, the on farm management of crops and domestic animals gains importance. Therefore, it is necessary to improve appropriate production and management systems and to develop adequate programs to support engagement. Last but not least the consumers commitment for the issue needs to be won.