The role of international germplasm banks

The International Olive Council (IOC) continues to lead global efforts to safeguard olive genetic resources through collaboration with the FAO International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (International Treaty). These initiatives are crucial to combat genetic erosion and ensure the long-term conservation of olive diversity.

A recent workshop, held from 27-29 November 2024 in Dubai and organised by the International Treaty Secretariat and the Global Crop Diversity Trust (Crop Trust) with the support of Norad, focused on enabling international genebanks to access sustainable funding under Article 15 of the International Treaty. The IOC was actively involved, presenting the unique characteristics of olive genebanks as living collections.

These genebanks, created under the auspices of the IOC, are being integrated into the framework of the International Treaty. The signing of tripartite agreements, such as the historic agreement with Spain in June 2024 and the ongoing negotiations with Morocco, underline this progress. These agreements aim to secure Article 15 funding, ensuring the sustainability of these vital collections.

The workshop also addressed governance, technical standards and the development of long-term conservation strategies. This collaboration reinforces the IOC's mission to promote olive cultivation and preserve the genetic heritage essential for the resilience and sustainability of the olive sector.

Furthermore, in addition to the living collections, the IOC, in collaboration with the University of Cordoba, plans to deposit an initial batch of olive pits of several varieties in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway in February 2025. Preparations are currently underway for the signing of an agreement between the IOC and the seed vault.