The role of digital sequence information in the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources for food and agriculture: opportunities and challenges

Smith, D.; Ryan, M.J.; Buddie, A.G.;

The role of digital sequence information in the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources for food and agriculture: opportunities and challenges

Year of publication 2023

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 80 p.

Author Smith, D.; Ryan, M.J.; Buddie, A.G.;

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Book (stand-alone)

ISBN 978-92-5-138346-9

Full item page

Synopsis (short abstract) This study contributes to the work stream on digital sequence information of FAO’s Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (GRFA). It presents key practices and experiences related to the ways in which digital sequence information (DSI) is generated, stored, accessed, and used for research and development related to GRFA. The report explores the availability and accessibility of DSI to the research community and the private sector in all parts of the world. It also presents solutions currently being discussed for access to, and use of, DSI and the sharing of benefits arising from such use. In addition, the study discusses applications of DSI that are relevant to GRFA, including DSI that is not derived from GRFA but nevertheless contributes to their identification, characterization, use, improvement and conservation. Further, the report addresses obstacles to access and use of DSI and identifies the need for capacity building to address global imbalance in its generation and use. The study demonstrates the many existing and potential applications of DSI that are highly relevant to GRFA whilst stressing the importance of open access to data to facilitate research and development in food and agriculture. It emphasises that the generation, storage, accessibility and use of DSI are fundamental to the efforts to make agriculture more sustainable. Access to, and use of, DSI face serious obstacles in many countries. There is a pressing need to address the root causes of these problems, which include lack of: technical infrastructure, financial and human resources, educational and training opportunities, scientific collaboration, computing infrastructure, reliable electricity and high-speed internet. The study concludes that there is a need for a regulatory environment that facilitates access to DSI whilst also maintaining the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from its use.

Statutory body / Meeting title Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA)

Cite this content as:

Smith, D., Ryan, M.J. & Buddie, A.G. 2023. The role of digital sequence information in the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources for food and agriculture: opportunities and challenges. Background Study Paper, No. 73. Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Rome, FAO.

https://doi.org/10.4060/cc8502en

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Language English