Council Regulation (EC) No 870/2004 of 24 April 2004 establishing a Community programme on the conservation, characterisation, collection and utilisation of genetic resources in agriculture and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1467/94 (Text with EEA relevance)
Date: 2004-04-24
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: EU programme, biodiversity, exploitation of resources, farming sector, management of resources

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COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 870/2004

of 24 April 2004

establishing a Community programme on the conservation, characterisation, collection and utilisa-
tion of genetic resources in agriculture and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1467/94

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Com-
munity, and in particular Article 37 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and
Social Committee,

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

Biological and genetic diversity in agriculture is essential
to the sustainable development of agricultural produc-
tion and of rural areas. The necessary measures should
therefore be taken to conserve, characterise, collect and
utilise the potential of that diversity in a sustainable way
to promote the aims of the common agricultural policy
(CAP).

The
conservation and sustainable use of genetic
resources in agriculture also contributes to the aims of
the Convention on Biological Diversity approved by the
Community by Council Decision 93/626/EEC (1) and the
related Community biodiversity strategy which includes
an action plan for biodiversity conservation and the
protection of genetic resources in agriculture. It is also a
major objective of the FAO's Global Plan of Action for
the Conservation and Sustainable Utilisation of Plant
Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and of the
International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food
and Agriculture, which the Commission and the
Member States signed on 6 June 2002.

(3)

The wide range of activities carried out in the Member
States (by a public sector body or natural or legal
persons) and by various international organisations and

(1) OJ L 309, 13.12.1993, p. 1.

supported by the Community,

programmes such as FAO, the European Cooperative
Programme for Crop Genetic Resources Networks (ECP/
GR),
the Consultative Group on International Agri-
cultural Research (CGIAR), the Global Forum on Agri-
cultural Research (GFAR), the Agricultural Research for
Development (ARD) regional and subregional organisa-
tions
the European
Regional Focal Point (ERFP) of National Coordinators for
the Management of Farm Animal Genetic Resources, the
European
Programme
(Euforgen) and the related commitments of the ongoing
Ministerial Conference on the protection of forests in
Europe (MCPFE) to which the Community is signatory
call
for an effective information exchange and close
coordination between the Community main actors and
with the relevant organisations throughout the world
with regard to the conservation, characterisation, collec-
tion and utilisation of genetic resources in agriculture so
as to enhance their positive impact on agriculture.

Forest Genetic

Resources

(4)

(5)

(6)

The work undertaken on the conservation, characterisa-
tion, collection and utilisation of genetic resources in
agriculture
can help maintain biological diversity,
improve the quality of agricultural products, contribute
to increase diversification in rural areas and reduce
inputs and agricultural production costs by promoting a
sustainable agricultural production and contributing to
the sustainable development of rural areas.

The ex situ and in situ conservation of genetic resources
in agriculture (including in situ/on-farm conservation
and development) should be promoted. This should
cover all plant, microbial and animal genetic resources
that are or could prove useful for agriculture and rural
development, including forest genetic resources, in line
with the needs of the CAP, with a view to conserving
genetic resources and increasing the use of under-utilised
breeds and varieties in agricultural production.

the genetic resources available in the
Knowledge of
Community, their origins and their characteristics still
needs to be improved. Relevant information on existing
facilities and activities
implemented at national or
level regarding the conservation, characterisa-
regional
tion, collection and utilisation of genetic resources in
agriculture in each Member State should be gathered
and made available to the other Member States and at
Community, as well as at international level, particularly
the developing countries, in accordance with the interna-
tional Treaties and Agreements.

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(7)

(8)

(9)

(10)

(11)

Development of decentralised, permanent and widely
accessible web-based inventories collecting such knowl-
edge and ensuring its availability at Community and
international level should be promoted, with particular
reference to the ongoing efforts to develop an inventory
of ex situ collections held in European gene banks (the
EPGRIS — European Plant Genetic Resources Informa-
tion Infrastructure ‘EURISCO’, funded by the fifth frame-
work programme).

The Community should complement and promote the
efforts made in the Member States for the conservation
and sustainable use of biological diversity in agriculture.
Added value at Community level should be promoted by
concerting existing actions and supporting the develop-
involving the
ment of new trans-border
conservation, characterisation, collection and utilisation
of genetic resources in agriculture.

initiatives

Provision should therefore be made for measures that
complement or go beyond the scope, as regards benefici-
aries and/or eligible actions for funding of Council Regu-
lation (EC) No 1257/1999 of 17 May 1999 on support
for rural development from the European Agricultural
Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) (1).

In order to contribute to the achievement of those aims,
a Community programme was established under Council
Regulation (EC) No 1467/94 of 20 June 1994 on the
conservation, characterisation, collection and utilisation
of genetic resources in agriculture (2), for a period of five
years. That programme terminated on 31 December
1999 and should be replaced by a new Community
programme. Regulation (EC) No 1467/94 should there-
fore be repealed.

Selection and implementation of measures under the
new Community programme should take into account
research, technological development and demonstration
activities supported either at national level or under the
framework programmes of the European Community
for research, technological development and demonstra-
tion activities. The marketing of seed and plant propa-
gating material to be utilised under the new programme
should be without prejudice to Council Directives 66/
401/EEC of 14 June 1966 on the marketing of fodder
plant seed (3), 66/402/EEC of 14 June 1966 on the

(1) OJ L 160, 26.6.1999, p. 80. Regulation as last amended by Regu-

lation (EC) No 583/2004 (OJ L 91, 30. 3.2004, p. 1).

(2) OJ L 159, 28.6.1994, p. 1. Regulation as amended by Regulation

(EC) No 806/2003 (OJ L 122, 16.5.2003, p. 1).

marketing of cereal seed (4), 68/193/EEC of 9 April
1968 on the marketing of material for the vegetative
propagation of the vine (5), 92/33/EEC of 28 April 1992
on the marketing of vegetable propagating and planting
material, other than seed (6), 92/34/EEC of 28 April
1992 on the marketing of fruit plant propagating mate-
rial and fruit plants intended for fruit production (7), 98/
56/EC of 20 July 1998 on the marketing of propagating
material of ornamental plants (8), 1999/105/EC of 22
December 1999 on the marketing of forest reproductive
material (9), 2002/53/EC of 13 June 2002 on the
common catalogue of varieties of agricultural plant
species (10), 2002/54/EC of 13 June 2002 on the
marketing of beet seed (11), 2002/55/EC of 13 June 2002
on the marketing of vegetable seed (12), 2002/56/EC of
13 June 2002 on the marketing of seed potatoes (13),
202/57/EC of 13 June 2002 on the marketing of seed
oil and fibre plants (14).

(12)

The Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA
Agreement) provides that the countries of the European
Free Trade Association participating in the European
Economic Area (EFTA/EEA countries) should, inter alia,
strengthen and broaden cooperation within the frame-
work of the Community's activities in the field of conser-
vation, characterisation, collection and utilisation of
genetic resources in agriculture.

(13)

the better

For
the Community
implementation of
programme, a work programme for the period 2004 to
2006 should be set out detailing the relevant financial
provisions to be applied.

(14)

For the purposes of implementing and monitoring the
Community programme, the Commission should be able
to use the assistance of scientific and technical advisors.

(4) OJ P 125, 11.7.1966, p. 2309/66. Directive as last amended by

Directive 2003/61/EC.

(5) OJ L 93, 17.4.1968, p. 15. Directive as last amended by Regulation
(EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council
(OJ L 268, 18.10.2003, p. 1).

(6) OJ L 157, 10.6.1992, p. 1. Directive as last amended by Regulation

(EC) No 806/2003 (OJ L 122, 16.5.2003, p. 1).

(7) OJ L 157, 10.6.1992, p. 10. Directive as last amended by Regu-

lation (EC) No 806/2003.

(8) OJ L 226, 13.8.1998, p. 16. Directive as last amended by Regu-

lation (EC) No 806/2003.
(9) OJ L 11, 15.11.2000, p. 17.
(10) OJ L 193, 20.7.2002, p. 1. Directive as last amended by Regulation
the

the European Parliament and of

(EC) No 1829/2003 of
Council.

(11) OJ L 193, 20.7.2002, p. 12. Directive as amended by Directive

2003/61/EC.

(12) OJ L 193, 20.7.2002, p. 33. Directive as last amended by Regu-
lation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the
Council.

(13) OJ L 193, 20.7.2002, p. 60. Directive as last amended by Directive

2003/61/EC.

(3) OJ P 125, 11.7.1966, p. 2298/66. Directive as last amended by

(14) OJ L 193, 20.7.2002, p. 74. Directive as last amended by Directive

Directive 2003/61/EC (OJ L 165, 3.7.2003, p. 23).

2003/61.

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The Community contribution should all be financed
through heading 3 (Internal policies) of the financial
perspective.

(b) ‘animal genetic resources’ means those of

farm animals
(vertebrates and invertebrates) and wild fauna which are or
could be of use in the field of agriculture;

(15)

(16)

The measures necessary for the implementation of this
Regulation should be adopted in accordance with
Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying
down the procedures for the exercise of implementing
powers conferred on the Commission (1),

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Objectives

With a view to achieving the aims of the CAP, and to imple-
menting the commitments taken at international level, a Com-
munity programme is hereby established for the period 2004
to 2006 to complement and promote, at Community level, the
work undertaken in the Member States for the conservation,
characterisation, collection and utilisation of genetic resources
in agriculture.

Article 2

Scope

1.
This Regulation shall apply to plant, microbial and
animal genetic resources which are or could be of use in agri-
culture.

2.

No support may be granted under this Regulation:

(a) for commitments eligible under Title II, Chapter VI, of
Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999, as specified pursuant to
Article 14 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 445/2002 of
26 February 2002 laying down detailed rules for the appli-
cation of Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999 on
support for rural development from the European Agri-
cultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) (2).

(b) for activities eligible under the framework programme of
the European Community for research, technological devel-
opment and demonstration activities.

Article 3

Definitions

(c) ‘genetic material’ means any material of plant, microbial or
animal origin, including reproductive and vegetative propa-
gating material, containing functional units of heredity;

(d) ‘genetic resources for agriculture’ means any genetic mate-
rial of plant, microbial or animal origin of actual or poten-
tial value for agriculture;

(e) ‘in situ conservation’ means the conservation of genetic
material in ecosystems and natural habitats and the mainte-
nance and recovery of viable populations of species or feral
breeds in their natural surroundings and,
in the case of
domesticated animal breeds or cultivated plant species, in
the farmed environment where they have developed their
distinctive properties;

(f) ‘in situ/on-farm conservation’ means ‘in situ conservation

and development’ at the level of the farm;

(g) ‘ex situ conservation’ means the conservation of genetic

material for agriculture outside their natural habitat;

(h) ‘ex situ collection’ means a collection of genetic material
for agriculture maintained outside their natural habitat;

(i) ‘biogeographic region’ means a geographic region with
typical characteristics regarding the composition and struc-
ture of the fauna and flora.

Article 4

Eligible actions

1.
The Community programme referred to in Article 1 shall
comprise targeted actions, concerted actions and accompanying
actions, as specified in Articles 5, 6 and 7.

2.
All actions carried out under the programme shall be in
conformity with Community legislation on the phytostanitary,
and animal health and zootechnical rules, on the marketing of
seed and propagating material and on the common catalogue
and shall take into account:

(a) other activities undertaken at Community level;

For the purpose of this Regulation, the following definitions
shall apply:

(a) ‘plant genetic resources’ means those of agricultural crops,
horticultural crops, medicinal plants and aromatics, fruit
crops, forest trees and wild flora which are or could be of
use in the field of agriculture;

(1) OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.
(2) OJ L 74, 15.3.2002, p. 2. Regulation as last amended by Regulation

(EC) No 963/2003 OJ L 138, 5.6.2003, p. 32).

(b) relevant international processes, developments and agree-

ments, in particular as regards:

— the Convention on Biological Diversity,

— the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for

Food and Agriculture,

— the FAO's Global Plan of Action for the Conservation
and Sustainable Utilisation of Plant Genetic Resources
for Food and Agriculture and other actions undertaken
within the framework of FAO,

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— the European Plant Conservation Strategy and the rele-
vant resolutions of the Ministerial Conferences on the
Protection of Forests in Europe,

— the Global Strategy for

the Management of Farm

Animal Genetic Resources, and

— programmes implemented under international

frame-
works such as the European Cooperative Programme
for Crop Genetic Resources Networks (ECP/GR),
the
European regional focal point (ERFP) of national coordi-
farm animal genetic
nators for the management of
resources,
Resources
Genetic
Forest
Programme (Euforgen) and the Consultative Group on
International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).

European

Article 5

Targeted actions

The targeted actions shall include:

(a) actions promoting the ex situ and in situ conservation, char-
acterisation, collection and utilisation of genetic resources
in agriculture;

(b) the establishment of a European decentralised, permanent
and widely accessible web-based inventory of genetic
resources currently conserved in situ including in situ/on-
farm genetic resources conservation activities;

(c) the establishment of a European decentralised, permanent
and widely accessible web-based inventory of the ex situ
collections (gene banks) and in situ facilities (resources) and
databases currently available or being developed on the
basis of national inventories;

(d) the promotion of regular exchanges of technical and scien-
tific information, in particular on the origins and individual
characteristics of available genetic resources, among compe-
tent organisations in the Member States.

(a) shall be transnational,
The actions referred to in point
taking into account,
if appropriate, biogeographic regional
aspects and promote or complement, at Community level,
work implemented at regional or national level. They may not
involve aid to maintain nature protection areas.

Article 6

Article 7

Accompanying actions

The accompanying actions shall include information, dissemi-
nation and advisory actions involving the organisation of semi-
nars, technical conferences, meetings with non-governmental
organisations (NGOs) and other relevant stakeholders, training
courses and the preparation of technical reports.

Article 8

Work programme

1.
The Commission shall ensure the implementation of the
Community programme on the basis of a work programme
covering the period 2004 to 2006 established in accordance
with the procedure referred to in Article 15(2) and subject to
the availability of budgetary allocations.

The

2.
co-financed
programme shall have a maximum duration of four years.

actions

under

the

Community

Article 9

Selection of actions

1.
The Commission shall, within the work programme
referred to in Article 8 and on the basis of calls for proposals
for actions published in the C series of the Official Journal of the
European Union, select the actions to be financed under the
Community programme.

2.
The calls for proposals shall cover the actions and areas
referred to in Articles 5, 6 and 7 and in Annex I. The content
of the calls for proposals shall be established in accordance
with the procedure referred to in Article 15(2) and in compli-
ance with the relevant Articles under Title VI of Council Regu-
lation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the
Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the
European Communities (1).

3.
Proposals for actions referred to in Articles 5, 6 and 7
may be submitted by a public sector body or any natural or
legal person who is a national of a Member State and estab-
lished in the Community, including gene banks, non-govern-
mental organisations, breeders,
institutes, experi-
mental farms, gardeners and forest owners. Bodies or persons
established in third countries may also submit proposals where
this is provided for in Article 10.

technical

The following criteria shall be taken into account for the

4.
assessment of the proposals:

(a) relevance to the objectives of the Community programme,

as defined in Article 1;

Concerted actions

(b) technical quality of the proposed work;

The concerted actions shall promote the exchange of informa-
tion on thematic issues for the purpose of improving the coor-
dination of actions and programmes for the conservation, char-
acterisation, collection and utilisation of genetic resources in
Community agriculture. They shall be transnational.

(c) ability to carry out the action successfully and to ensure its
efficient management, assessed in terms of resources and
competences and including the organisational arrangements
laid down by the participants;

(1) OJ L 248, 10.9.2002, p. 1.

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(d) European added value and potential contribution to Com-

munity policies.

5.
Proposals for actions to be financed under the Com-
munity programme shall be selected on the basis of indepen-
dent expert assessment. The independent experts shall be
invited by the Commission in compliance with Article 57(2) of
Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 and with Article 178
of Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 of 23
December 2002 laying down detailed rules for the implementa-
tion of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 on
the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the
European Communities (1).

this
If necessary, detailed rules for the application of
6.
Article shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure
referred to in Article 15(2).

Article 10

Participation of third countries

The Community programme shall be open to the participation
of:

(a) EFTA/EEA countries in accordance with the conditions

established in the EEA Agreement;

(b) associated countries, in accordance with the conditions laid
down in the respective bilateral agreements establishing the
general principles for their participation in Community
programmes.

Article 11

Grant agreement

After adoption of the selected actions, the Commission
1.
shall conclude grant agreements with the participants in these
actions in compliance with the relevant Articles under Title VI
of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002. The grant agree-
ments shall set out detailed criteria for the reporting, dissemina-
tion, protection and exploitation of the results of the actions.

2.
The Commission shall take the necessary steps, in particu-
lar by means of technical, administrative and accounting checks
at the premises of the beneficiaries, to verify that the informa-
tion and supporting documents supplied are accurate, and that
all the obligations laid down in the grant agreement have been
fulfilled.

the Community programme,

including technical
tation of
advice with regard to the preparation of calls for proposals,
evaluation of
reports, monitoring,
reporting and information purposes.

technical and financial

2.
A service contract shall be signed as a result of a call for
tender procedure in the field of public procurement in compli-
ance with the relevant Articles under Title V of Regulation (EC,
Euratom) No 1605/2002.

Article 13

Community contribution

The Community contribution to the actions referred to in

1.
Article 5 shall not exceed 50 % of the total cost of the action.

2.
The Community contribution to the actions referred to in
Articles 6 and 7 shall not exceed 80 % of the total cost of the
action.

3.
A Community contribution of up to 100 % of the total
cost of the assistance referred to in Article 9(5) (assessment of
proposals), Article 12 (technical assistance) and Article 14
(evaluation of the Community programme) shall be allocated.

4.
The financial perspective heading 3 ‘Internal Policies’ shall
contribute to the funding of actions and assistance undertaken
under the Community programme in application of this Regu-
lation.

An indicative breakdown of the funds allocated to the

5.
Community programme is given in Annex II.

Article 14

Evaluation of the Community programme

At the end of the Community programme, the Commission
shall appoint a group of independent experts to report on the
implementation of this Regulation, to assess the results and to
make
report,
together with the Commission's comments, shall be submitted
to the European Parliament, the Council and the European
Economic and Social Committee.

recommendations. The group's

appropriate

Article 12

Technical assistance

Article 15

Committee procedure

1.
In compliance with Article 57(2) of Regulation (EC,
Euratom) No 1605/2002, the Commission may call on the
assistance of scientific and technical experts for the implemen-

(1) OJ L 357, 31.12.2002, p. 1.

1.
The Commission shall be assisted by a Committee on the
conservation, characterisation, collection and utilisation of
genetic resources in agriculture (hereinafter referred to as the
Committee).

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2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 4 and
7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply.

Article 16

Repeal

The period laid down in Article 4(3) of Decision 1999/468/EC
shall be set at one month.

Regulation (EC) No 1467/94 shall be repealed, without preju-
dice to the contractual obligations of parties which have
entered into contracts arising out of that Regulation.

3.

The Committee shall adopt its Rules of Procedure.

Article 17

Entry into force

The Committee shall be informed on a regular basis on

4.
the implementation of the Community programme.

This Regulation shall enter into force on the seventh day
following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the
European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Luxembourg, 24 April 2004.

For the Council

The President

J. WALSH

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ANNEX I

COMMUNITY PROGRAMME: ELIGIBLE ACTIONS AND AREAS

1.

Eligible actions and areas

The Community programme concerns the conservation, characterisation, evaluation, collection, documentation, develop-
ment and utilisation of genetic resources that currently occur within the territory of the Community. Eligible organisms
are plants (seed-bearing plants), animals (vertebrates and certain invertebrates) and micro-organisms.

The programme covers material that is actively growing and material that is dormant (seeds, embryos, semen and
pollen). Ex situ, in situ and on farm collections are covered. All types of material are eligible including cultivars and
domestic breeds, local breeds, breeders' material, genetic type collections, and wild species.

Priority will be given to species which are, or which may reasonably be expected to become significant in agriculture,
horticulture or forestry in the Community.

Preference will be given to the use of genetic resources for:

(a) diversification of production in agriculture;

(b) improved product quality;

(c) sustainable management and use of natural and agricultural resources;

(d) improved quality of the environment and the countryside;

(e) identification of products for new uses and markets.

When collections are recorded and new collecting is undertaken, steps will be taken within the programme to ensure
that the traditional regional experience and knowledge of the users (farmers, horticulturists) on methods of cultivation,
specific uses, processing, taste, etc., are also included. The latter information should not be recorded as narrative but, as
far as possible, in a standardised manner allowing documentation and easy retrieval of the data in a relational database
system.

All actions carried out under the programme shall be in conformity with Community legislation on the marketing of
seed and propagating material and on the common catalogue, as well as with phytosanitary and the animal health and
zootechnical rules in force in the Community.

Appropriate steps, in accordance with the aims of the CAP and in conformity with Community international commit-
ments, should be taken to promote the dissemination and exploitation of any results of work in the field of the conser-
vation, characterisation, evaluation, collection, documentation, development and utilisation of genetic resources in agri-
culture which could contribute to the achievement of those aims and commitments. The main objective is to provide an
efficient and practical support to the actual and future end users of genetic resources in the Community.

2.

Excluded actions and areas

The following actions are specifically not eligible for Community financial support under this programme: theoretical
studies, studies to test hypotheses, studies to develop tools or techniques, work involving untested techniques or ‘model’
systems and all other research activities. Such actions are eligible for consideration under the Community research and
technological development framework programmes. Adaptation of existing methods for the purpose of an activity
within the Regulation might, however, be considered eligible for support under the Community programme.

Actions that are eligible for support under the framework programme of the European Community for research, techno-
logical development and demonstration activities may not be supported.

No support may be granted under this programme for commitments that are already under way in the Member States
and/or eligible under Title II, Chapter VI, of Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999 as specified under Article 14 of Regulation
(EC) No 445/2002. However, actions leading to synergy between Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999 and this programme
should be encouraged.

Actions involving lower animals, lower plants and micro-organisms, including fungi, are only eligible when these are
reared or cultivated on land and when they are or could be of use in agriculture, including organisms which are suited
for use as biological control agents in agriculture in its widest sense. Exception will be made in the specific case of
defined gene-for-gene relationships between parasite or symbiont and host, and where both organisms are to be
conserved. Collecting and acquisition of material is subject to the priorities stipulated above.

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3.

Types of actions

The implementation of the Community programme for the conservation, characterisation, evaluation, collection, docu-
mentation, development and utilisation of genetic resources in agriculture includes targeted actions, concerted actions
and accompanying actions. The following actions shall be promoted:

3.1. T a r g e ted a cti ons

Actions aiming at the ex situ, in situ and on-farm conservation, characterisation, evaluation, collection, documentation,
development and utilisation of genetic resources in agriculture are intended to support or complement, at Community
level, work implemented at regional or national
into
level. They shall be transnational (taking, where appropriate,
account also biogeographic regional aspects). These actions may not involve aid to maintain nature protection areas.

The actions should add value (spreading knowledge,
improving methodologies, exchange between
Member States) to the agri-environmental schemes for endangered species, provenance, cultivars or breeds already
funded at national or regional level (e.g., characterisation of genetic diversity and distance between the respective breeds,
utilisation of local products, coordination and search of commonalties between scheme managers).

increasing use,

These actions must, as a general rule, be carried out by participants established within the Community and funded
through the present facility, in partnership, when appropriate, with organisations from other regions of the world.
Priority is to be given to actions providing for the participation of two or more unconnected participants established in
different Member States. Participation by NGOs and other stakeholders in the field of in situ/on-farm conservation
should be promoted.

The dissemination and exchange of European genetic resources should be promoted with a view to increasing the use of
under-utilised species but also the use of a broad diversity of genetic resources in sustainable agricultural production.

For plant genetic resources, a European decentralised, permanent and widely accessible web-based network of national
inventories of the ex situ collections (gene banks), in situ facilities (resources) and databases on the basis of national
inventories is currently available or being developed in the framework of the EPGRIS initiative. The development of
national inventories of ex situ collections held in European countries, and a European search catalogue (EURISCO)
should be established and further improved and inventories of in situ resources (genetic reserves or gene conservation
units) should be developed.

A European decentralised, permanent and widely accessible web-based inventory of forest genetic resources, including in
situ resources (genetic reserves or gene conservation units) and ex situ collections should be established on the basis of
national inventories and taking into consideration the activities of the Euforgen-networking programme.

For animal genetic resources maintained on farms, efforts should concentrate on a European network of national inven-
tories of administrative aspects (origin and status of funding, state of breeds and their endangerment, location of herd-
books, etc.) which should be managed in conformity with DAD-IS, the information system for the Global Strategy for
the Management of Farm Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR).

For ex situ conservation of animal genetic resources (semen, embryos) a web-based network of national inventories and
a European search catalogue for minimum passport data should be developed. The inventory is to consist principally of
the establishment, regular updating and regular publication of the facilities (storage and conservation) for genetic
resources in agriculture collected in the Community, and the listing of current work on the conservation, characterisa-
tion, evaluation, collection, documentation, development and utilisation of those genetic resources. Minimum passport
data of individual accessions may be included.

For microbial genetic resources, a web-based network of national inventories of ex situ and in situ resources should be
established, in the framework of the European Biological Resource Centre Network (EBRCN).

Regular exchanges of information between competent organisations in the Member States, in particular on the origins
and individual characteristics of available genetic resources, shall be promoted. This will help establish a network of
national inventories which will provide a guide to collections of conserved genetic resources and associated activities in
the Community. The aims of the network of national inventories are to support the Community and national activities
and encourage the widest possible knowledge and use of preserved material.

Expenditure on the capacity building of NGOs, the establishment and monitoring of the inventories, regular exchanges
of information between competent organisations in the Member States and the preparation of regular publications and
reports, is to be covered from the total appropriations earmarked for the implementation of the programme.

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3.2. Conc er te d a c ti ons

Concerted actions are devoted to improve the coordination at Community level, mainly through the organisation of
seminars and the preparation of reports, of individual (national, regional, local) actions for the conservation, characterisa-
tion, evaluation, collection, documentation, development and utilisation of genetic resources in agriculture that are
already being carried out in the Member States. In particular, they should promote exchanges of information among the
Member States and the Member States and the Commission on thematic issues and on specific local (on-farm), regional,
or national actions and programmes (carried out or planned under the authority of Member States or by bodies not
under their authority), including also actions which are or may be carried out under Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999,
Council Regulations (EEC) No 2081/92 of 14 July 1992 on the protection of geographical indications and designations
of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs (1) and (EEC) No 2082/92 of 14 July 1992 on certificates of specific
character for agricultural products and foodstuffs (2)or Council Directive 98/95/EC of 14 December 1998 amending, in
respect of the consolidation of the internal market, genetically modified plant varieties and plant genetic resources,
Directives 66/400/EEC, 66/401/EEC, 66/402/EEC, 66/403/EEC, 69/208/EEC, 70/457/EEC and 70/458/EEC on the
marketing of beet seed, fodder plant seed, cereal seed, seed potatoes, seed of oil and fibre plants and vegetable seed and
on the common catalogue of varieties of agricultural plant species (3), for the purposes of coordinating these initiatives
with each other, with measures to be undertaken at Community level and with relevant international processes, develop-
ments and agreements. Concerted actions could also involve coordination activities on thematic issues (specific crop or
animal genetic resources) through specialised technical groups. The concerted actions shall be transnational.

3.3. A c c ompa n y i n g a cti ons

Specific accompanying actions shall include information, dissemination and advisory actions involving:

— the organisation of seminars, technical conferences, workshops, occasional meetings with NGOs and other interested

bodies and relevant stakeholders,

— training courses and mobility schemes for specialists,

— preparation of technical reports,

— the promotion of the utilisation of results by the market (users).

4.

Targeted actions: more details about eligible areas

4.1. Cr op g e n eti c re sou r ce s

1) Development of a web-based, permanent and widely accessible network of national inventories on crop genetic

resources (in situ and ex situ); maintenance and further improvement of EURISCO.

2)

3)

4)

5)

6)

including utilisation and
Information exchange on methods, techniques and experiences of on-farm activities,
marketing concepts that may promote the use of under-utilised crops and contribute to the diversification of agri-
culture.

Inventory and documentation of in situ resources of wild crop relatives that are used or potentially useful for food
and agriculture.

Establishment, maintenance and improvement of web-based European Central Crop Databases (ECCDBs) with char-
acterisation and evaluation data and linked to the network of national inventories and to the EURISCO catalogue
for the passport level data.

Establishment and coordination of permanent European ex situ collections based upon the existing national or
institutional ex situ collections, implementing concepts for sharing of responsibilities for the conservation of crop
genetic resources among European countries.

Establishment and coordination of a European network of conservation and demonstration fields/gardens of endan-
gered and under-utilised crop genetic resources.

7)

Characterisation and evaluation of crop genetic resources that could be of interest for European agriculture.

8)

Collecting, in conformity with international law and obligations, of crop genetic resources that could be of interest
for European agriculture.

(1) OJ L 208, 24.7.1992, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 806/2003.
(2) OJ L 208, 24.7.1992, p. 9. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 806/2003.
(3) OJ L 25, 1.2.1999, p. 1.

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4.2. F or est g e ne ti c r e sou rc e s

1)

2)

Establishment of a web-based, permanent and widely accessible network of national inventories on forest genetic
resources that are used or potentially useful for sustainable forest management in Europe.

Information exchange on methods, techniques and experiences on forest genetic resources conservation and
management.

3) Assessment and development of best operational management practices for forest genetic resources and integration

of related activities into national forest programmes.

4)

5)

6)

Establishment of European networks of representative genetic reserves or gene conservation units for relevant
target species in order to improve conservation and characterisation at European level.

Evaluation of forest genetic resources at species and provenance level (including evaluation of trials in the case of
existing provenance experiments) that could be of value for sustainable forest management in Europe.

Establishment and coordination of collections to promote the use of genetic resources for afforestation, reforesta-
tion, rehabilitation and tree improvement purposes at the European level.

7)

Collecting of forest genetic resources that could be of interest at the European level.

4.3. A n i m a l g en eti c re sou r ce s

1)

Establishment of a web-based, permanent and widely accessible European network of national inventories of animal
genetic resources ex situ and in situ/on-farm taking into account activities within the framework of the European
National Coordinators for Animal Genetic Resources and linked to the FAO/DAD-IS system.

2) Development of European-wide standardised and comparable criteria to identify the national priorities for action in
the field of sustainable conservation and utilisation of Animal Genetic Resources and related requirements for inter-
national cooperation.

3)

4)

5)

6)

Establishment of European cryo-conserves for animal genetic resources based upon national or institutional cryo-
conserves.

Characterisation and evaluation of animal genetic resources (species and breeds) used or potentially useful for food
and agriculture.

Establishment of a standardised European performance testing regime for animal genetic resources in agriculture,
and documentation of characteristics of endangered farm animal breeds and populations.

Establishment and coordination of a European-wide network of ‘Ark farms’, rescue-stations and farm animal parks
for endangered European farm animal breed.

7) Development of common cross-national breeding programmes for endangered breeds and populations. Establish-

ment of rules for the exchange of information, genetic material and breeding animals.

8) Development of strategies which support the enhancement of profitability of local breeds in order to develop links
between local breeds and their typical products, to identify and to promote the value of local breeds for their envir-
onmental services (e.g. landscape conservation, agro-ecosystems management) and for their contribution to the
multifunctional character of agriculture (e.g. maintenance of rural cultural diversity, rural development and tourism,
etc.).

9) Development of strategies which promote the utilisation of under-utilised animal genetic resources that could be of

interest on a European level.

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ANNEX II

INDICATIVE FINANCIAL BREAKDOWN FOR THE COMMUNITY PROGRAMME

Actions

Targeted actions

— for the promotion of ex situ and in situ conservation, characterisation, collection and utilisa-
tion of genetic resources in agriculture to promote or complement, at Community level,
work implemented at regional or national level,

— for developing European decentralised, permanent and widely accessible web-based inven-
tories of genetic resources in agriculture (in particular, their origins and their characteristics),
conservation activities, facilities and databases currently available or being developed in the
Community.

Concerted actions

— Exchange of information on thematic issues on national actions and programmes for the
purpose of improving the coordination of these initiatives as well as with measures under-
taken at Community level and with developments in international negotiations.

Accompanying actions

— Information, dissemination and advisory actions involving the organisation of seminars, tech-
nical conferences, meetings with NGOs and other relevant stakeholders, training courses and
the preparation of technical reports.

%

90

73

(53)

(20)

9

8

Technical assistance and consultation of experts (evaluation)

10 (8 + 2)

Total

100