Conservation of Plant and Animal Genetic Resources Scheme
- Published on: 17 November 2020
- Last updated on: 11 April 2025
(formerly Genetic Resources Grant Aid Scheme).
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine's Conservation of Plant and Animal Genetic Resources Scheme has been in place since 1996. The Scheme has an annual call for projects aimed at supporting the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources for food and agriculture. Projects are evaluated by an advisory committee, representing broad national stakeholder interests. Over the years, funding has been provided to a diverse range of projects, including practical hands-on conservation initiatives, raising awareness and education of the public to the importance of genetic resources, and participation in internationally recognised research and collaboration with European and other international partners in the field of plant and animal genetic resources.
The effects of the grant aid awarded by the Advisory Committee are far reaching and play a vitally important role in fulfilling Ireland's international obligations in relation to the conservation of plant and animal genetic resources.
Further information on the Conservation of Plant and Animal Genetic Resources Scheme including information on the forthcoming 2025 Scheme is available below:
Genetic Resources Projects
A number of organisations, both public and private, representing a large cross section of the Genetic Resources community in Ireland have benefited from funding via the Department's grant aid scheme. See below for details of current projects and projects supported in previous years through the Genetic Resources Grant Aid Scheme:
2025 Call for Genetic Resources Projects
The Department has an annual call for projects for the Conservation of Plant and Animal Genetic Resources Scheme Applications and expressions of interest are welcomed from all individuals, groups and bodies to submit projects for the further development of genetic resources conservation in Ireland. Click on the links below for further details for the 2025 scheme. Project applications for the 2025 grant scheme call will be accepted up until Friday 22nd November 2024.
Completed applications can be sent either by email to to geneticresources2020@agriculture.gov.ie , or by hardcopy to :
John McLeod
- Address:
- Secretary to the Advisory Committee on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, Crop Policy, Evaluation & Certification Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Backweston Administration Building, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
