Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands

CGN works to conserve genetic diversity in crops, farm animals, trees and aquaculture. Our gene banks, expertise and advice contribute to the sustainable food systems and forests of the future.

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Areas of expertise

Our expertise

Plant Genetic Resources

CGN manages the gene bank for plant genetic resources which stores almost 24,000 varieties and wild populations. View the experise here.

Animal Genetic Resources

The Animal Genetic Resources supports the conservation of breeds and conserves genetic material in its genebank. View the expertise here.

Forest Genetic Resources

The Forest Genetic Resources expertise preserves the genetic diversity of our native tree and shrub species. View the expertise here.

Aquatic Genetic Resources

The Aquatic Genetic Resources monitors and conserves genetic material of aquaculture species that are cultivated and occur in the wild in the Netherlands. View the expertise here.

CGN: 40 jaar voor voedselzekerheid, en voor behoud van biodiversiteit en ons bio-cultureel erfgoed

To preserve genetic diversity in the long term, make it more accessible, and increase the impact of the gene bank, growth of the CGN collections is essential. Therefore, Wageningen University & Research is investing in new gene bank facilities on Wageningen Campus, where all current and future collections of plant and animal genetic material will be brought together in one modern building.

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Video

What does CGN do? Watch the animation video

Research@WUR

Check out our research projects on Research@WUR

ABS-Loket Netherlands

Practical information and guidelines on access and benefit-sharing

News and insights

News
Longread

The holy grail of eel propagation

People researching glaseal

'Closing the cycle': that's the big goal. If it would be possible to reproduce eels in captivity, the eel could be cultured and the pressure on the wild population alleviated. Researchers are getting closer step by step, but the step from larva to glass eel is still eluding them.

News

Cryopreservation sperm European eel: where are we now?

06/12/25

Over the past years, a lot of research has been conducted to optimize sperm cryopreservation protocols for the European eel (Anguilla anguilla). Pauline Jéhannet, researcher in fish reproduction and cryopreservation at CGN, provides an update on the latest developments.

Longread

How livestock farming can contribute to biodiversity

Agriculture and livestock farming are often cited as the cause of biodiversity loss, but they can also play a role in its conservation. Biodiversity is an integral part of livestock farming systems.

Biodiversity and resilient ecosystems

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Director

Sipke Joost Hiemstra is the director of the Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands.

ir. SJ (Sipke Joost) Hiemstra

Director of Centre for Genetic Resources

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