Genetic resources policy of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

Abstract

A strong change in the operating environment highlights the strategic importance of genetic resources in agriculture, forestry and fishery. In order to strengthen the strategic grip and consistency of genetic resources policy, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has decided to develop guidelines for genetic resources policy in its field.

The key objectives of the guidelines are to integrate genetic resources into strategies for the protection and sustainable use of biological resources, to ensure the continuity of maintenance of genetic resources and to promote the responsible use of genetic resources in a changing environment.

To promote the continuity of maintenance and sustainable use of genetic resources, it is necessary to strengthen the legal basis for the maintenance of and access to genetic resources.

The maintenance and sustainable use of genetic resources are directed through cost-effective measures set out in the Finnish National Genetic Resources Program for Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery. Key objectives include improving the utilization of collections of genetic resources, supporting the development of genetic resource-based businesses and developing new cost-effective practices to support maintenance and sustainable use of genetic resources and access to genetic resources.