Our work

NordGen is active within several different areas when it comes to conserving and promoting the sustainable use of genetic resources in the Nordic countries. NordGen has three sectors; NordGen Farm Animals, NordGen Forest and NordGen Plants. NordGen is also responsible for the seed handling in Svalbard Global Seed Vault and acts as a secretariat for the Nordic PPP-collaboration.

 
NordGen Vårt arbete 2

NordGen Farm Animals

There are about 140 native breeds of farm animals in the Nordic countries. These have been important for our agriculture for generations. Unfortunately, several of them are now at risk of extinction. We are working to change that fact through conservation plans, projects and seminars.

NordGen Vårt arbete 4

NordGen Forest

NordGen Forest is a meeting arena for those working with forestry in the Nordic countries. By arranging thematic days and conferences, professionals meet and exchange knowledge and experience. NordGen Forest also distributes scholarships to promote the Nordic cooperation.

NordGen Vårt arbete 6

NordGen Plants

NordGen Plants is the largest sector within NordGen. It includes the genebank, the Nordic seed collection of 33.000 seed samples and several projects aiming to promote conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources. NordGen Plants is situated in Alnarp, Sweden.

NordGen Vårt arbete 8

Svalbard Global Seed Vault

Svalbard Global Seed Vault is a safety backup for the crop diversity stored in the world's genebanks. NordGen is one of the partners operating the Seed Vault. Our responsibility include seed handling, contact with the genebanks and maintaining an online database.

NordGen Vårt arbete 10

PPP-collaboration

PPP is an abbreviation for Public Private Partnership for Pre-breeding. In this collaboration, private companies and public research institutions put their competitiveness aside and reach greater benefits together. It's a win-win situation.

NordGen Vårt arbete 12

Seed and Potato Requests

Each year, NordGen distribute around 10.000 seed samples to researchers, plant breeders and other stakeholders. Once a year, in the spring, we also offer hobby growers in the Nordic countries to purchase surplus seeds from our last propagation.