Expert Committee on
Plant and Microbial Genetic Resources

Minutes of the 31st Annual Meeting

Chairman: Dr. Campbell Davidson

The Expert Committee on Plant and Microbial Genetic Resources is part of the Canada Committee on Crops, which is part of the Canadian Agri-Food Research Council.

This report is an internal working document which should not be cited without the authors’ written permission. This report is an unapproved draft by the Committee and is presented now only to facilitate information sharing. .

Table of Contents

1. Call to order - C. Davidson

2. Chairman's opening remarks - C. Davidson

3. Approval of the 30th Annual Meeting Minutes - C. Davidson

4.Business arising from the minutes - C. Davidson

5. Genetic Resource Updates

6. Report from the Canadian Seed Trade Association - W. Leask

7. Report on Non-Government Organizations - Seeds of Diversity Canada - P. Ramacieri

8. CARC Update - C. Davidson

9. Natural Resources - Forestry Canada Report - A. Mosseler

10. Report on International Aspects of Plant Gene Resources

10.1 USDA / ARS update - P. Bretting
10.2 IPGRI (Americas) - D. Williams
10.3 Biodiversity - B. Farleigh
10.4 Genetic resources activities at FAO - B. Fraleigh
10.5 Domesticated diversity indicators - B. Fraleigh
10.6 IICA and Canada activities  - C. Davidson

11. Regional activities reports

12. Scientific Societies Reports

13. Recommendations and Resolutions

14. Other Business

14.1 Timing and location of 32nd (2003/04) annual meeting

15. Adjournment

Appendices

1. Call to order - C. Davidson

Chairman C. Davidson called the meeting to order at 8:40 AM, Tuesday, January 21, 2003 in Salon A of the Neatby Building. AAFC Ottawa., Ontario.

2. Chairman's opening remarks - C. Davidson

2.1 Welcome

The Chairman extended a warm welcome to all participants and thanked them for attending.

2.2 Introduction of Committee Members

Special welcome was extended to Dr. Peter Bretting, USDA and Pat MacGregor who is the new Biodiversity Lead at the Environment Bureau, AAFC Strategic Policy Branch. A list of participants is presented in Appendix 1. A list of the membership of the committee is presented in Appendix 2.

2.3 Adoption of the agenda

The agenda (Appendix 3) was adopted with no additions.

2.4 Appointment of Resolutions Committee

As decided in 2002, the Expert Committee itself will serve as the Resolutions Committee. This is an opportunity to send resolutions to send resolutions to Canada Committee on Crops (CCC) and then on to CARC.

3. Approval of the 30th Annual Meeting minutes - C. Davidson

The Minutes of the 30^th meeting were approved on a motion by Carolyn Babcock to adopt them as published on the PGRC website; seconded by André Lévesque.

4. Business arising from the minutes - C. Davidson

4.1 Action report on the recommendations and resolutions

ECPMGR report was presented to CCC in Quebec March 2002.

New terms of reference for Committee were presented.

The request for support for ISHS genetic resource symposium speaker was successful; $3500 provided;

CARC will also be providing support for the Microbial Genetic Resource Culture Collection Workshop to be held June 24, 2003 in Montreal at the Canadian Phytopathological Society annual meeting.

Discussion on the CCC report followed. This included a question about the outcome of the suggestion for joint meeting with animal people; there has been little progress but it will be kept on table/agenda for the next meeting.

CARC website: http://www.carc-crac.ca/index.html

4.2 Correspondence

Dr. Davidson drafted a letter of support on behalf of ECPGMR re: the signing and ratification of the international treaty. The Committee has had significant input into this process in terms of making recommendations and suggestions for potential participants. Some committee members worked on the actual process.

The Minster, the Honourable Lyle Vanclief and Diane Vincent both wrote letters thanking the Committee for their advice and input.

A letter was received advising that $3150 in funding could be provided to the CPS Microbial Workshop (2003).

Chris French wrote to advise that he would be replaced by Mike Bernardy representing plant virus collections.

5. Genetic Resource Updates

5.1 Plant Gene Resources of Canada – K. Richards

K. Richards provided an overview of the PGRC activities. A copy of the report is included in Appendix 4. Several items were discussed including:

Four germplasm nodes located at Fredericton (potato), Winnipeg (cereal), Saskatoon (crucifers and forage) are operating well. Regeneration and evaluation activities continued except for the cereal node which has concentrated on evaluation. All of the nodes, the Clonal Genebank, PGRC and the Canadian microbial and viral genetic resources are all included under the Biodiversity Theme and in the same study. Ken Richards was named as the study leader. Kentville (lowbush blueberries), Kamloops (native grass species) and Indian Head (PFRA Tree Nursery) also have relevant and additional plant genetic resource activities which will be included in the same study.

The Saskatoon facilities continue to function very well. Minor problems have been encountered in the new field facility building relative to adequate air movement and seed drying function. It is hoped to rectify this situation. Field and lab resources are in very good shape. In addition, the assigned greenhouse space is fully used and additional space would be appreciated. There is consideration of obtaining a ‘semi-field’ facility to provide some protection from the elements. This would assist pathology screening and evaluation and extend growing season.

The current PGRC staff includes 5 professionals and 8 support staff. Dr. Lone Buchwaldt, a plant pathologist was hired in 2002. Her responsibilities include screening the collection for disease resistance; emphasis will be placed on pulse crops.

No new MOU’s were developed or signed in 2002. The MOU with Egypt is progressing with the development of an action plan. Dr. Axel Diederichsen visited the Vavilov Institute and the All Russian Flax Institute in Russia. Flax germplasm regeneration and characterization continues in the field and greenhouse. This is a very large project, particularly with the addition of new material. The passport information has been updated in the database. South Korea scientists visited PGRC so this has helped meet the requirements of the Korean MOU.

Regeneration and characterization of the oat collection continued with the assistance of research grants. The screening going well and information is being uploaded into GRIN-CA.

Barley regeneration has gone well thanks in large part to good cooperation from workers at Saskatoon, Delhi and Harrow. Screening for net blotch resistance and fusarium head blight was done.

Pulse crop regeneration and characterization continued in 2002 with the assistance of research grants. Crop descriptors for each crop species were generated after consultation with relevant plant breeders and pathologists.

Various other crops were regenerated by PGRC in the field and in the greenhouse. These include some vegetables, forage legumes and some native Canadian species.

Viability testing was done on approximately 3100 accessions in the last year.

GRIN-CA database management and development progressed well in 2002. Historical records, viability records, passport, characterization data were added. This included information from the Clonal Genebank. Software upgrades have been made to maintain compatibility with the USDA system. Almost 900,000 inquiries have been made to GRIN-CA.

Generally the number of accessions distributed in 2002 increased while the number of shipments decreased. There were 618 samples acquired in 2002, mostly from Canadian sources.

Many seminars and presentations were made by PGRC staff in 2002. Of particular note was participation at the highly successful XXVI^th International Horticultural Conference in Toronto, Ontario.

5.2 Clonal Repository – M. Luffman

The number of accessions in the collections total 3305; slightly more than half of these are species accessions. Field established germplasm blocks include approximately 10 hectares of tree fruit and some small fruit plantings. Tree fruit blocks are used characterization and evaluation plus collection of wood for distribution. A large potted collection (primarily small fruit) is maintained in protected culture. Facilities include greenhouse space, lab space, growth chambers, incubators and cold storage rooms. Improved IPM practices in 2002 have resulted in a reduction in the use of chemicals.

Staff levels remain unchanged with 1 professional and 4 support staff.

There were 68 germplasm requests filled in 2002.

A copy of the report is included in Appendix 5.

5.3 Microbial collection - ECORC – C. Babcock

Good progress is being made on the planning for the Microbial Genetic Resource Culture Collection Workshop to be held June 24, 2003 in Montreal at the Canadian Phytopathological Society annual meeting. Orphaned collections are becoming more and more of a concern as far as conservation is concerned. Microbial collections are being included as part of Biodiversity theme. Leadership is sought from PGRC with database issues and concerns.

There are 12000 strains in culture collection. In 2002 162 clients were accommodated and 800-900 exchanges were made. Facilities support is currently very good. Liquid nitrogen storage and security issues are being addressed.

Bioterrorism is becoming more and more of a concern. Health Canada and Transport Canada are involved in this issue.

Treasury Board’s edict demanding a ‘Common Look and Feel’ aspect for departmental websites has greatly disrupted public access to microbial collections information. This issue should be taken to CCC; it must be clearly demonstrated that the profile of the Canadian government is suffering because information is no longer available.

5.4 Virus collection – M. Bernardy

No report given at meeting. Detailed report was sent and is presented in Appendix 6.

5.5 Animal Genetic Resources – S.K. Ho

No report provided. Brad Fraleigh provided remarks on this section: S.K. Ho has created a Canadian advisory committee which includes industry representation. Fred Silversides and Diane Patterson submitted draft at the end of Nov. 2002. It is now being reviewed and the edited document will be released before the deadline August 2003 deadline.

5.6 Biodiversity issues and initiatives at ECORC - A. Lévesque

The link with the Biodiversity Theme is bringing many interesting and cohesive changes to botanists and mycologists at ECORC.

American concerns with agri-bioterrorism particularly in light of September 11, 2001 events are spilling over to Canada. Identification of foreign pests and diseases is extremely important. A key aspect is this includes alien invasive species. Reference specimens are required for identification and early detection is critical.

Dr. Dorrel and André Lévesque will collaborate with the USDA. A major initiative is to build up the collection including herbarium and living strains. CFIA has submitted a proposal to link all diagnostic labs . A first step would involve acquiring reference materials and ensuring adequate quarantine measures. Rusts and smuts are weak point in the system as there is a lack of expertise for these. Downy mildew of corn and Karnal bunt are important diseases. There was discussion about raising this issue with CCC and CARC. A resolution is required; Andre will assist with wording.

Two papers were distributed: ‘Countering Agricultural Bioterrorism’ (National Research Council) and ‘Agriculture Shock’ (Nature Vol. 421).

5.7 Botanic Garden collections and activities – D. Galbraith

Campbell Davidson read the report into the minutes. This is found in Appendix 7.

5.8 International Society Horticultural Science Congress - C. Davidson

The XXVI^th Annual Horticultural Congress held in Toronto in August 2002 was highly successful and well attended - approximately 2700 people . There was at least 1 symposium to genetic resource conservation. There were several keynote speakers, 25-30 posters and numerous papers - a highly organized symposia and colloquia. The support of CARC assisted in making the session a great success. Funds from CARC were used to offset travel and related costs for Dr. Nigel Maxsted from theUK. He provided a keynote address to the group.

6. Report from the Canadian Seed Trade Association – W. Leask

Bill Leask presented the report on behalf of CSTA president, Tom Francis. Concerns were expressed over USDA/APHIS phytosanitary requirements that a phyto or equivalent must accompany every seed import including small samples.

The US Postal Service plans for irradiation of mail sent to the WA area will result in killing viable seeds. At this time irradiation will not be done on courier-shipped material.

Biosafety, biodiversity & GMO tolerance levels - Canadian general standards board (CGSB) labelling ballot - CSTA voted "NO" in the recent CGSB draft vote on the Voluntary labelling of Foods Obtained or Not Obtained Through Genetic Modification.

CSTA’s Position paper on the Trace level approval process has been forwarded to AAFC and Health Canada - intended to provide a regulatory mechanism for review and approval of adventitious trace levels of biotechnology derived products. Without a policy and trace level approval process the standard or threshold has become zero or zero detection.

CSTA supports the Cartegena protocol on biosafety - 39 countries have ratified so far and 103 countries have signed. However there are still concerns that ratification of the Protocol will impose new legal obligations and additional liability on Canadian exporters. CSTA has recommended that Canadian officials delay ratification at this time.

CSTA is closely monitoring developments through the ISF and through the Canadian delegation to FAO meetings.

EU subsidies for herbage seeds have had consequences for both Canada and the EU. Existing support levels should be examined.

Identity Preservation/Use of certified seed - variety names are increasingly being used in identifying end- use characteristics in addition to an indication of their agronomic traits. Misuse or misrepresentation of a variety name can and does damage the value of that variety name in these end-use markets. Using pedigreed seed is the only practical and legal means to access a particular variety.

International Seed Federation (ISF) Intellectual property dispute settlement - CSTA is a member of the ISF. This is a challenging new area - the idea is to keep it out of the courts; dispute resolution must have agreement of both parties in writing; modelled after trade dispute resolution.

Plant Breeders’ rights amendments - CSTA members consider that strong and effective intellectual property protection is necessary to ensure an acceptable return on research investment and to encourage further breeding and research. Current PBR legislation adheres to the 1978 UPOV convention. CSTA believes that the absence of some key elements of the 1991 UPOV convention is placing Canada at a competitive disadvantage.

A detailed report from CSTA can be in Appendix 8.

7. Report on Non-Government Organizations - Seeds of Diversity Canada – P. Ramacieri

Bob Wildfong stepped down as president and is now serving as part- time Executive Director; he will be a dedicated resource.

The organization’s booklet "How to Save Your Own Vegetable Seeds" is in its fourth edition and a fifth is being planned. This is available in both official languages. The organization has improved its services to better meet the needs of French speaking members.

In 2002, 30 members participated in the ongoing project with PGRC to rejuvenate vegetable seeds.

Garrett Pittenger, (past president) continues to work closely with staff at the Potato Node at AAFC Fredericton. Several heritage potato cultivars have been cleaned up and placed in the PGRC collection.

Documentation and Database Projects: In 2000 and 2001 a contracted research student collected descriptions, cultural information, histories, conservation status and availability information about 36,000 vegetable and fruit cultivars. In 2002 historical researchers began documenting early Canadian horticultural introductions. All of this information is contained in a database of about 50,000 records from nearly 100 non-copyrighted sources on approximately 20,000 public domain cultivars. Website: http://www.seeds.ca/

Canadian Garlic Collection: With the assistance of Ontario’s Agricultural Adaptation Council, the Garlic Growers’ Association of Canada and garlic collector and enthusiast, Ted Maczka, SODC has undertaken a significant new project to collect, distribute and characterize a large number of garlic cultivars.

Full report found in Appendix 9.

8. CARC Update - C. Davidson

Dr. Davidson provided a report on details of the CARC related activities which included an overview of:

- ISHS-CSHS symposium on Horticulture genetic resources - sponsorship of major speaker (Dr. N. Maxstad from the UK)

- CCC meeting held in Lacombe

- potential for a CARC sponsored speaker for the upcoming CPS workshop on microbial genetic resources.

- progress on more general issues raised at the CCC table (see the CCC report in Appendix 10 for details)

9. Natural Resources - Forestry Canada Report - A. Mosseler

Dr. Mosseler could not attend but his report is found in Appendix 11.

10. Report on International Aspects of Plant Gene Resources

10.1 USDA / ARS update - P. Bretting

Personnel changes including new scientists hired and those who received promotions were mentioned. The death of Charlie Rick, a well respected tomato germplasm collaborator, was noted.

Several site changes were described; these included collaboration with non-government organizations, increasing germplasm collections, increased genetic resource management for some crops, growing partnerships and budget increases which led to upgraded facilities, new equipment and staffing.

The 2002 fiscal year agriculture appropriations bill included an increase of approximately $3.6 million. This increase was most welcomed.

During the last 5 years ARS has reorganized its total research portfolios into a series of 22 national programs. National Program 301 encompasses plant, microbial and beneficial insect genetic resource management, genetic improvement, genomics, bioinformatics and genomic database management and is led by Dr. P Bretting.

Negotiations on the Revision of the International Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture concluded in October 2001. The US chose to abstain in the voting process.

The USDA Office of Inspector General began an audit of NPGS sites starting in August 2002.

A full report can be found in Appendix 12.

10.2 IPGRI (Americas) - D. Williams

No report

10.3 Biodiversity - B. Fraleigh

Detailed report is found in Appendix 13.

The Conference of the Parties (CoP), the CBD’s decision making body met on April 7-19, 2002 in The Hague, Netherlands. Forest biodiversity was a core issue discussed. Regarding agricultural biodiversity, the parties debated the impacts of genetic use restriction technologies on farmers who save seeds for replanting and on indigenous and local communities. Language on farmers’ rights was introduced for the first time in a CoP decision.

A set of voluntary guidelines (the "Bonn Guidelines") was proposed under the agenda item on Access and Benefit-sharing as related to Genetic Resources (ABS). A meeting of the ABS Working Group is planned for December 2003.

CoP endorsed a detailed work program for the Global Taxonomy Initiative intended to help reverse the global decline in biosystematics expertise. CoP also adopted a Global Strategy for Plant Conservation intended to conserve the world’s plants, including wild plants and plants of socio-economic importance.

The World Summit on sustainable Development was held August 26-September 4, 2002 in Johannesburg, South Africa. A broad series of issues and their relationships were addressed; these included poverty eradication, management of natural resources, energy consumption and many others.

The Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety regulates the transboundary movement of living modified organisms (LMOs) that are the product of biotechnology and which may have adverse effects on biodiversity. As of January 7, 2003, 39 countries have ratified the Protocol. The third Meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee preparing for the Implementation of the Protocol took place April 22-26, 2002 in The Hague, Netherlands. Canada is now considering whether or not to ratify the Protocol, and if so, when.Research issues raised with respect to the Protocol include: research to provide greater clarity in supoort of risk assessment and risk management for LMOs, scientific information relevant to understanding the consequences of the Protocol on certain issues, importing germplasm of LMOs into Canada for research purposes and the practice of growing out LMOs in the opposite hemisphere during the off season.

Some biodiversity activities in Canada in 2002 included 1) the development of plans to address the priorities encompassed by the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) which was agreed upon by federal, provincial and territorial ministers; 2) the approval of priorities for collaborative action to implement the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy; 3) Royal Assent for the federal Species at Risk legislation.

10.4 Genetic Resources Activities at FAO - B. Fraleigh

A detailed report can be found in Appendix 14.

The most significant event of 2002 was Canada’s historic signature and ratification of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Consultations on behalf of the Government of Canada obtained advice from many stakeholders and individuals including the ECPGMR prior to the final decision on ratification. Canada participated in the first meeting on the FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture acting as the Interim Committee for the treaty. The Canadian delegation included John Dueck, Brad Fraleigh, Eric Bertram, Anahita Ariya-Far, Blair Hankey and Bryan Harvey.

10.5 Domesticated diversity indicators - B. Fraleigh

A detailed report can be found in Appendix 15.

At an FAO organized meeting to discuss biodiversity indicators and implementation of the Global Plan of Action (GPA) and monitoring, participants discussed twenty priority areas. About 80 indicators were categorized. It was recommended that a few "higher order indicators" be developed. This would facilitate a more general analysis of the state of genetic resource use and conservation.

Parties to the CBD consider the development of appropriate indicators necessary to implement CBD Article 7. The CoP agreed to convene an expert group to further develop ongoing work on indicators and associated principles.

AAFC is implementing the National Agri-Environment Health Analysis and Reporting Program (NAHARP) to review and improve the wildlife habitat availability indicator and to possibly initiate the development of other agricultural biodiversity indicators.

10.6 IICA and Canada activities - C. Davidson

InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture: e-mail: office@iicacan.org

Dr. Davidson discussed and presented the book: ‘IICA and Canada a new vision for 2002-2007' as well as the publication "Repositioning IICA To Meet the Challenges of the 21^st Century". Dr. Davidson is alos the Canadian representative on Norgen, the genetic resource working group. A Norgen meeting was held in conjunction with the ISHS Genetic Resource Symposium. Unfortunately, the meeting was only attended by reps from Canada, USA and Mexico. No other countries from the America’s attended. This was a disappointment to the attendees representing Canada, the US and Mexico. The original plan was devised to attract other genetic resource workers from the America’s to broaden the scope of the committee.

11. Regional Activities Reports

11.1 Atlantic - A. Jamieson

No report.

11.2 Quebec - J. Collin

Sent message that no report to present.

11.3 Ontario - T. Michaels

No report.

11.4 Prairies - A. Brule-Babel

No report.

11.5 British Columbia - C. Kempler

Could not attend.

Dr. Davidson expressed concern about poor participation and lack of reports. There was some discussion on ways to improve this. One suggestion was to provide video hookups through various AAFC centres across Canada. This might reduce travel costs and increase participation..

12. Scientific Societies Reports

Will have to go back to society chairs and ask for rep.

12.1 Canadian Society of Agronomy - H. Voldeng

No report.

12.2 Canadian Society of Horticultural Science - C. Davidson

The XXVI^th International Horticultural Conference was a huge success. The Genetic resource symposium was well received.

Funding for plant collection trips remains a big concern. It was recommended that a long term strategy for plant collection in Canada be developed. This item went to CCC for information purposes last year. The impact of the department’s reorganization was discussed. This should now be brought to the attention of National Program Leaders and biodiversity theme leader (Christiane Deslauriers) and it should also go back to CCC and identified as a priority. It was suggested that the concept of plant acquisition vs. collection would help clarify the issue. Full report is in Appendix 16.

12.3 Canadian Society of Genetics - G. Fedak

No report.

12.4 Canadian Phytopathological Society - André Lévesque

The upcoming Microbial Genetic Resources Culture Collection Workshop being held June 24, 2003 at the 2003 Canadian Phytopathological Society annual meeting was discussed. A draft of the proposed program was circulated. One goal of workshop is to develop a better strategy to use collections. Orphan collections a concern. CARC is providing funding of $3150.

13. Recommendations and Resolutions

13.1 New appointments to the ECPMGR

There was discussion of possible replacements for those whose terms are expiring and do not wish to continue as well as those who rarely if ever, have attended the meetings for whatever reason.

Pat MacGregor (new Biodiversity Lead at the Environment Bureau, AAFC Strategic Policy Branch) will be added as an ex officio member. Other possible additions were discussed which included the Pulse Canada group. The new ISHS working group for biodiversity, headed by Kim Hummer was also mentioned.

14. Other Business

14.1 Timing and location of 32nd (2003/04) annual meeting 

It was suggested that the meeting be held in Fredericton, New Brunswick in late January 2004. This would provide an opportunity to view the potato germplasm node and the work they have underway there.

15. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 11:41 am.