Nordic GENEresources

A Safer Future for Nordic Genetic Diversity? With this issue of Nordic GENEresources, we wish to present some of the diverse activities aimed at securing our genetic cultural heritage. While some are utilising genes, others are freezing them and have developed data systems to enable the future use of these genetic resources. Following this winter's devastating storm in Sweden, it is being discussed if perhaps other tree species or provenances would have survived better than spruce, which had been planted extensively in the region. What about using our traditional vegetables in alternative ways? Many of these were once valued for their medicinal properties. Such knowledge has disappeared, but could perhaps be revived? The same applies to meat and milk quality: it has been shown that several of our traditional livestock breeds have unique genes, which provide the animals with specific qualities appreciated by consumers. Our efforts must be brought into the light by spreading stories about successful use of our genetic resources - stories that are abundant, but not well known. There are numerous good examples of Nordic genes that can be used for more than being stored in a freezer.