Introduction:

Modern intensive agriculture provides a variety of affordable food for today’s industrialized societies. Production systems are usually based on a uniform supply of inputs, and in the case of livestock and poultry, a relatively narrow genetic base. For example, the great majority of milk production is from Holsteins, and within this breed, 80% of the cows are bred to 20 sires or their sons.

In the case of poultry, while quite different breeds are used for egg and meat production, almost all of the breeding stock comes from five international breeding companies, and the foundation stock which they use is likely derived from a few common sources.

While these production systems are very efficient, they are not well prepared for unexpected challenges such as new diseases, feed crop failures, or sustained changes in consumer demand.

Many people believe that the loss of genetic diversity in our farm animals represents a serious risk for our common future in food security.

Who are we?

What do we do?

The Foundation’s objectives are promoted by specialized committees. These groups consist of Directors of the Foundation, selected individuals from governments, universities and industry with knowledge and expertise in a variety of areas.

Many of the Foundation’s activities involve communication with the public; farmers, consumers, governments, and the media. A range of publications dealing with certain areas already exists, and more are planned by the communications Committee. The Foundation web site contains a wide range of material including some of the most recent reports from its consultants and committees. It also contains information pertaining to membership classes and benefits.

The Conservation Assessment Committee provides advice to the Board with respect to specific conservation objectives. Separate sub-committees embrace Bovine, Avian, Equine, Swine, Small Ruminants and Aquaculture interests, while another deals with Genetics and Biotechnology issues relevant to germplasm conservation.

Currently in Canada there is no agricultural research program to further research activity in the field of farm animal genetic resource conservation. The Foundation is working hard to rectify this situation, and is actively encouraging the establishment of a program comparable to the USDA Animal Germplasm Program.

Only with the growth of membership can the Foundation expect to expand the scope of its activities. Further education and research initiatives will benefit the animal industries, and society at large.