" "  
Search ERS

  Browse by Subject
  Diet, Health, & Safety
  Farm Economy
  Farm Practices & Management
  Food & Nutrition Assistance
  Food Sector
  Natural Resources & Environment
  Policy Topics
  Research & Productivity
 Agricultural Productivity
 Agricultural Research
 Biotechnology
 Farm Management & Performance
 Genetic Resources
 Global Productivity
 Intellectual Property Rights
  Rural Economy
  Trade & International Markets
  Also Browse By


or

""

 

Search ERS

 
Genetic Resources

All agricultural commodities, including modern varieties, descend from wild and improved genetic resources found around the world. As a critical input into agricultural R&D systems, genetic resources affect domestic and world food security by increasing productivity and providing protection against pests and diseases. ERS analyzes genetic resources as an input in the production system, and the value and role of genetic diversity.


Spotlights

Crop Genetic Resources: An Economic Appraisal—This report examines the role of genetic resources, genetic diversity, and efforts to value genetic resources. Crop genetic resources are largely public goods, so private incentives for genetic resource conservation may fall short of achieving public objectives.

Agricultural Resources and Environmental Indicators: Crop Genetic Resources—Crop genetic resources are essential for agricultural production, and their use results in significant economic benefits. But conservation of crop genetic resources is complicated by their public goods attributes.

Latest Releases

Publications (see all)

Data Sets (see all)

Related Briefing Rooms

Web administration: webadmin@ers.usda.gov