International Organizations Supporting Germplasm Conservation and Their Relevance to GTCSB

The GT Community Seed Bank (GTCSB) is dedicated to conserving indigenous seeds, promoting biodiversity, and ensuring future food and nutrition security. Our work is not isolated—many international organizations play a vital role in conserving, managing, and sharing plant genetic resources worldwide. Below is a brief overview of some key international organizations and how their work relates to GTCSB.

IRRI (International Rice Research Institute)

IRRI leads global rice research, maintaining one of the largest rice gene banks in the world. Their work in improving rice productivity and conserving rice germplasm is highly relevant for Bangladesh, where rice is the staple food. GTCSB aligns with IRRI’s vision by conserving local rice varieties and promoting seed diversity.

FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations)

FAO guides global policies on plant genetic resources through its Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. It also facilitates the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA). GTCSB follows these principles by ensuring that farmers have access to diverse seeds and by strengthening local seed sovereignty.

CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center)

CIMMYT conserves and improves maize and wheat germplasm, ensuring global food security. Their focus on climate-resilient and high-yielding varieties complements GTCSB’s goal of maintaining traditional seeds while adapting to changing climate conditions.

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)

IUCN focuses on the conservation of biodiversity, including crop wild relatives and ecosystems. GTCSB contributes to this global mission at the grassroots level by protecting community-based seed diversity and traditional knowledge.

Global Crop Diversity Trust (Crop Trust)

Crop Trust safeguards global crop diversity by funding genebanks and managing the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. GTCSB echoes this mission locally by acting as a community-level “seed vault,” ensuring that traditional and indigenous varieties are preserved for future generations.

CGIAR (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research)

CGIAR is a global research partnership with centers working on crop, livestock, and aquatic genetic resources. Its scientific advancements and germplasm resources inspire GTCSB to strengthen local seed conservation, improve resilience, and support sustainable farming practices.

ICRISAT (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics)

ICRISAT conserves sorghum, millets, chickpeas, pigeonpea, and groundnut—crops vital for dryland farmers. GTCSB similarly encourages the conservation of underutilized local crops, building resilience against drought and climate variability.

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🌱 GTCSB’s Role in the Global Movement

By working with farmers to conserve, share, and utilize seeds, GTCSB connects local action with global initiatives. While international organizations provide research, policy, and infrastructure support, community seed banks like GTCSB ensure that conservation translates into everyday farming practices.

Together, this global-local collaboration safeguards biodiversity, strengthens food systems, and empowers farming communities.