Taiwan Seed Improvement and Propagation Station (TSIPS) will launch a " Grains Crop Germplasm Conservation Techniques Training Course" in July. Domestic experts are invited to serve as instructors, covering topics such as surveying characteristics, collection, pest management, and seed processing. Additionally, by promoting nongovernmental seed-saving initiatives and introducing platforms, experiences in applying and retaining germplasm conservation will be shared, welcoming farmers and the public who are interested in learning this technique to sign up.

TSIPS stated that grains are one of Taiwan's main food crops. However, with the intensification of climate change, agricultural production faces increasingly severe challenges. To address these challenges, it is necessary to enhance the adaptability and resistance of crops to ensure the stability and sustainability of food supply. Although government agencies have national crop germplasm banks for long-term storage of local germplasm, the seed selection of new local varieties adapted to new environments still relies on farmers' seed saving.

Farmers' tradition of saving seeds for use has a long history. However, with the advancement of technology and the development of seed companies, commercial production mostly relies on new varieties bred through conventional farming methods. Due to the current absence of appropriate germplasm conservation techniques among farmers, some local crop germplasm resources are at risk of being lost or declining. To address this issue, TSIPS will organize the ‘Grains Crop Germplasm Conservation Techniques Training Course’ through the Farmers' Academy. This initiative aims to promote grains germplasm conservation techniques, enhance farmers' capabilities in germplasm preservation, safeguard the diversity of cereal genetic resources, select and retain new genetic traits, and create new locally varieties to cope with climate change.

This training course will focus on introducing techniques for conserving grain crop germplasm. We have invited several instructors to the event, including Professor Guo Huaren, the founder of "Seed Conservation among Farmers" and Honorary Professor at National Taiwan University, Associate Professor Hsu Yiting from National Chung Hsing University, who specializes in crop physiology and trait inspection, Teacher Lin Zhizhong, with vast experience in the biological and cultural conservation and restoration of ethnic plants like millet, and Ms. Chen Huiwen, former chairperson of the Sumei Natural Agriculture Association. They will all participate in technical and knowledge exchanges. Participants will acquire comprehensive knowledge of grain crop germplasm conservation techniques, master relevant skills and methods, and enhance their understanding of the protection and utilization of germplasm resources. Registration is open until June 24th. For detailed information, please visit the Farmers' Academy website (https://academy.moa.gov.tw/) to inquire and register.

▲Collection and preservation of millet genetic resources

▲Collection and preservation of Taro genetic resources