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Georgia has placed unique samples of Georgian seed of cereal crops in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway

The Svalbard Seed Vault, located in the Arctic region of Norway, is one of the world's most important genetic banks. Its main purpose is to protect and restore crop genetic resources in the face of global challenges. Levan Ujmajuridze, Director of the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture, and representatives of the Center paid an official visit to Norway. During the visit, Georgian scientists deposited unique samples of Georgian cereal crops in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault and signed an international agreement that will further strengthen Georgia's involvement in global agrobiodiversity initiatives.

210 unique samples of seeds of local varieties of Georgian cereal crops - wheat, corn and beans, which have defined our country's agrarian culture and food security for centuries, have been collected and identified in 8 regions of Georgia. They will remain in perfect condition for decades when stored in a warehouse at a temperature of -18°C.

"This is a historic moment for our country. Placing seeds of Georgian varieties of cereal crops in the Svalbard Vault not only ensures the protection of our unique genetic resources, but also recognizes Georgia as an important player in the global food security system. This initiative is one of the most important steps taken towards protecting the rich agronomic heritage of Georgian agriculture and preserving it for future generations," - said Levan Ujmajuridze, Director of the LEPL Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture.

Within the framework of the official visit, an agreement was signed between the Georgian Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture and the Norwegian Ministry of Agriculture on the placement of seeds in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault.

Members of the Georgian delegation participated in international meetings, where, together with scientists from different countries of the world, they discussed strategies for protecting the genetic resources of agricultural crops, the unique properties of Georgian cereal crops, and their importance in the global context of food security.

The event was dedicated to the 17th anniversary of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault and was held within the framework of the project “Strengthening linkages between in-situ/on-farm and ex-situ conservation of local PGRF from Georgia and use for adaptation to climate change” supported by the Benefit-Sharing Fund (BSF) of the International Treaty.