In the light of the aims of the common agricultural policy, work on the conservation, characterization, collection and utilization of genetic resources in agriculture undertaken in the Member States shall be coordinated and promoted at Community level under the conditions set forth in this Regulation. For the purposes of these provisions, genetic resources shall mean both plant genetic resources and animal genetic resources. Genetic resources in forestry are included as well. The Regulation is divided into the following four Titles: (I) Information and consultation; (II) Specific measures; (III) Action programme concerning genetic resources in agriculture; (IV) General provisions. Articles 3 and 4 lay down conditions for establishing arrangements for the exchange of information and consultation between the Member States and the Commission. The Commission shall be responsible for: (a) assisting the coordination, at Community level, of certain national measures for the conservation, characterization, collection and utilization of genetic resources in agriculture to permit the rational organization of the means employed within the Community and the efficient utilization of the results and to achieve an approach in line with the aims of the common agricultural policy; (b) the development and implementation of programmes of measures for the conservation, characterization, collection and utilization of genetic resources in agriculture at Community level to support or supplement action undertaken in the Member States. Article 13 provides for the setting up of a Committee on the conservation, characterization, collection and utilization of genetic resources in agriculture. Two Annexes are attached. Annex I contains detailed rules for the implementation of the Action programme provided for under Title III. The objectives of such programme are to help ensure and improve the conservation, characterization, documentation, evaluation, collection and utilization of potentially valuable plant and animal genetic resources in the Community.
1994-06-20