Events in 2016

The Crop Trust mission contains two key elements for success: conservation and fundraising. This year in particular saw great progress on both fronts, highlighted by two key events, the Crop Trust Pledging Conference and the Annual Meeting of Genebank Managers (AGM).

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Crop Trust Pledging Conference

On 15 April 2016, the Crop Trust took our largest step to date in building the Endowment Fund with a successful international Pledging Conference. The event took place in Washington, DC at the time of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Spring Meetings. More than 60 representatives of governments and private partners came together to forge a broad coalition for the global common good of crop diversity. The conference was co-chaired by the Governments of Germany and Norway, and Jan Eliasson, former Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, delivered the keynote address.

The meeting paved the way for doubling the Crop Trust Endowment Fund to USD 300 million, thanks to new financial commitments from Australia, Germany, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, the United States and DuPont Pioneer. Governments and private sector donors also committed to projects to collect and safeguard crop diversity. Norway pledged a major contribution to the Crop Wild Relatives Project, while Japan, a first-time supporter, announced its support of a regional project to unlock the genetic potential of African rice. Another cooperation agreement was signed with Brazil.

“We owe it to future generations to provide them with the tools they will need for sustainable existence. Today’s meeting marks a historic step towards this goal. International cooperation can protect the foundation of world agriculture and generate new crops for the survival of our children and grandchildren.”-Jan Eliasson, Former Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations

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AGM 2016

Each year, the Crop Trust convenes the women and men who look after the international collections managed by the CGIAR Centers to discuss their activities during the past year and to make plans for the following year. Having all parties in one room to interact face-to-face is extremely valuable for our coordinated approach to global conservation. The meeting also serves as an opportunity to debate particular technical issues and get better acquainted with the national and regional programs in the region.

This year’s AGM took place in Australia and involved many local stakeholders, including our hosts, the Australian Grains Genebank in Horsham. The sessions were attended by more than 50 scientists from Australia, Belgium, Benin, Colombia, Ethiopia, Fiji, France, India, Italy, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Niger, Nigeria and the Philippines.

“I met an enthusiastic and very dedicated group of people who learn from each other and push one another forward, all united in their passion to safeguard our food for generations to come.”-Marie Haga, Crop Trust Executive Director

Presentations and seminars covered a wide range of topics, from data management tools to clonal crops to forage conservation. Participants also discussed the upcoming Genebank Platform, the next phase in our global partnership with the CGIAR System Organization, and the role of genebanks in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals.