Press Release: 10 million euro for a new EU Programme to promote biological and genetic diversity

The European Commission adopted a proposal on 22 December 2003 for a Council Regulation for a second European Union programme for the conservation, characterisation, collection and use of genetic resources in agriculture. The new programme, covering the period 2004-2006, will promote genetic diversity and the exchange of information including close co-ordination between Member States and between the Member States and the European Commission for the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources in agriculture. It will also facilitate co-ordination in the field of international undertakings on genetic resources. The budget allocated to this programme amounts to €10 million.