AG INSIGHT
AG INSIGHT BY J I M E R I C K S O N
Germplasm repository plays key role in future vitality of food crops The National Germplasm Repository for Citrus and Dates may not be a name that slips easily over the tongue. But its mission is essential to the longterm vitality of the citrus, dates and related species on which it focuses. To accomplish that goal, the facility maintains, evaluates, preserves and distributes the germplasm of citrus, dates, and related species. The task involves:
1. Acquiring the widest possible genetic diversity within citrus and dates to reduce genetic vulnerability in the future; 2. Testing and treating of accessions for pathogenic organisms; 3. Maintaining accessions in a protected, pest-free environment; 4. Genetic, horticultural, and physiological characterization and evaluation of accessions; 5. Establishment of an informational record for each accession covering its acquisition, inventory, evaluation, and gene descriptor data; 6. Distribution of pathogen-free germplasm to qualified researchers throughout the world, and 7. Research into improved methods of collection, evaluation, propagation, preservation and distribution.
Talks requested in Mexican trade dispute
Citrus and date crops, along with other related species, benefit greatly from the Germplasm repository.
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Cooperative Farming News
On the heels of a recent announcement by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has requested dispute settlement consultations with Mexico under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The consultations are in regard to Mexico’s agricultural biotechnology policies. “USDA supports success for all farmers, and that means embracing fair, open, science- and rulesbased trade,” Vilsack said. “In this spirit, the USMCA was written to ensure that producers in all three countries have full and fair access to each other’s