But much remains to be done if we are to realize the full value of our plant genetic heritage. To keep seeds in genebanks viable, for instance, they need to be regenerated and regrown periodically. Many of the world's genebanks are facing problems in maintaining seed quality. At the same time, anywhere from 80 to 95 percent of the plant material in genebanks worldwide is still uncharacterized - in other words, it is still unknown what these seeds may contain in their genetic makeup. This information is fundamental if we are to use this material to produce better crops, both through traditional breeding methods and by applying advanced biotechnological techniques.
Farmers continue to play a key role in maintaining biological diversity.
But most of the farm families that are responsible for this type of management and improvement of plant genetic resources are limited by lack of resources. Well-founded efforts to tap the wide array of plant genetic resources, including carefully planned conservation, management and distribution schemes, can allow these seeds of life to play a major role, today and in the future, in protecting millions of people from hunger.