On February 25, 2025, the COUSIN project was presented by the University of Catania (UNICT) during a study day dedicated to the management and use of plant and microbial germplasm collections, hosted by the Accademia dei Georgofili in Florence.

The conference highlighted the crucial role of plant and microbial genetic resource collections as essential infrastructures for the conservation of agricultural and food biodiversity. These collections safeguard valuable genetic diversity, ensuring its long-term preservation for future generations.

Beyond conservation, germplasm collections provide controlled and responsible access to genetic resources for researchers, public institutions, private companies, and other stakeholders. They serve as strategic platforms for innovation, supporting plant breeding, research, and sustainable agricultural development.

During the event, particular attention was given to the work carried out within the COUSIN project on the genetic characterization of Brassica species for the improvement of the resilience of derived crops to climate change and on the identification of innovative and efficient approaches for the conservation of Crop Wild Relatives (CWRs).

Below you can consult the event program.