October 24, 2011
NAPB Recommendation for USDA/ARS Germplasm Improvement NP301 goals for the next 5 years
The NAPB recommendations prioritized in order of highest to lowest.
1. Germplasm: Conserve, organize, evaluate and develop germplasm.
· Conserve and curate existing germplasm resources and expand collections
· Objectively characterize germplasm resources genotypically and phenotypically (for biotic and abiotic stress, and quality). Note that some evaluations are only relevant with breeding into adapted backgrounds.
· Preserve biodiversity in both agricultural and natural environments
· Utilize genetic diversity for improved productivity, yield stability, nutrition and genetic discovery
· Facilitate germplasm exchange internationally
2. Plant breeding capacities: Conserve and enhance US capacities for field-based breeding of all plant species important to the US in agri-regionally relevant manners.
· The long-term sustainability of plant breeding programs requires sufficient funding to ensure that both personnel and infrastructure can meet the long-term challenges to develop and adapt emerging technologies required to sustain the increasing demand for food, feed, fiber and fuel in the US .
· These resources further provide the necessary basis for germplasm characterization, education, translation of technologies, innovation and outreach
3. Innovations: Identify, research and exploit new approaches and new targets for plant breeding that enhance our economy, environment, health, sustainability and food security.
· The evolving biotic and abiotic stresses with changes in environment, and demand for higher productivity and quality of food, feed and fiber require constant innovation in plant breeding.
4. Science & Technologies: Research, use and create new technologies that augment the range and speed of field-based breeding of plants of importance.
· The translation and integration of technologies into plant breeding is essential to develop new strategies for crop improvement to be competitive globally.
5. Education: Foster state-based efforts and investments to retain and strengthen plant breeding education in agri-regionally relevant manners.
· Participate in integrated training opportunities for students and scientists with government, academic and industry programs
6. Outreach: Communicate and exemplify why society [1] needs plants, [2] needs plant breeding, plant breeders, and plant breeding programs.
· Sustaining and building a workforce focused on crop improvement and agriculture are essential to remain competitive and meet societal demands of an increasing population with decreasing resources.