Plant genetic resources and their values

The risk of losing potentially valuable donors of novel genetic variation through displacement of modern varieties was foreseen by the International Plant Breeders Association in the 1930s. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) defines the term ‘genetic resources’ as genetic material with ‘actual or potential value’. The ordinary understanding of the term is not restricted solely to economic value. Unless the guardians of genetic resources focus on ways of gaining value, benefit of these resources will not be properly realized.