Over the past 15 years, there have been rapid and ever-increasing advances in science and technology, institutional and human capacities and infrastructure in the field of gene sequencing and in the associated bioinformatics (the application of information technology and computer science to the field of molecular biology) and high-performance computing. This publication provides an update on recent developments in biotechnologies relevant to the characterization, sustainable use and conservation of genetic resources for food and agriculture.

Plant genetic resources provide a basis for food security, livelihood support and economic development as a major component of biodiversity. The Second Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture demonstrates the central role plant genetic diversity continues to play in shaping agriculture growth in the face of climate change and other environmental challenges. It is based on information gathered from Country Reports, regional syntheses, thematic studie s and scientific literature, documenting the major achievements made in this sector during the past decade and identifying the critical gaps and needs that should urgently be addressed. The Report provides the decision-makers with a technical basis for updating the Global Plan of Action on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. It also aims to attract the attention of the global community to set priorities for the effective management of plant genet ic resources for the future. Purchase a print copy.

Sustainable Agriculture and the Environment describes the relationship of agriculture, society, nature and the environment, sustainable agriculture and sustainable development goals, management of biophysical resources for sustainable food and environment, traditional knowledge and innovative options, and social and policy aspects of sustainable agriculture. The book presents both environmental and economic principles, helping readers in the development and application of robust policy and good institutional systems that execute on sustainable agriculture practices for a healthy environment and to combat climate resilience. - Includes case studies that provide real-world insights - Relates traditional knowledge and innovation, maximizing the potential from both - Reinforces our understanding of the role of sustainable agriculture in developing environmentally sustainable and profitable food systems

This volume summarizes the current state of knowledge in the economic literature of management of agricultural biotechnology and biodiversity in agricultural and economic development. It identifies key issues confronting policy makers in managing biodiversity and biotechnology and provides a broad, multi-disciplinary analysis of the linkage between the two. It is especially innovative in its use of plant genetic resource management as the basis for is analysis.

"Chapters 1 to 14 of in this book are based on papers presented at Sessions I, II and IV of an international workshop held from 5 to 7 March 2005 entitled, The Role of Biotechnology for the Characterisation and Conservation of Crop, Forestry, Animal and Fishery Genetic Resources, organized by the FAO Working Group on Biotechnology (FAO-WGB), the Fondazione per le Biotecnologie and the Italian Society of Agriculture Genetics (SIGA). The workshop took place at the Villa Gualino Congress Center in Turin, Italy ...The remaining two chapters, 15 and 16, are from the e-mail conference organized by the FAO-WGB roughly three months after the Turin workshop."--P. xi.