The World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) held the inauguration ceremony of the modernized International Vegetable Genebank.
The event was attended by Taiwan's Minister of Agriculture, Chen Junne-jih, the Executive Director of the Global Crop Diversity Trust (Crop Trust), Stefan Schmitz, representatives from Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, agricultural research institutions, private sector leaders, and distinguished guests from South Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Eswatini. Together, they witnessed the official reopening of the upgraded genebank.
The Minister of Agriculture stated, "The modernization of the International Vegetable Genebank aligns with Taiwan's commitment to global food security and sustainable agriculture. By preserving and sharing vital vegetable genetic resources, we are empowering future generations with the tools to combat climate change, enhance nutrition, and ensure resilient food systems worldwide."
© World Vegetable CenterThe renovated WorldVeg Genebank ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Taiwan's Minister of Agriculture, Chen Junne-jih (fourth from right), Crop Trust Executive Director Stefan Schmitz (third from left), Tainan City Mayor Huang Wei-cher (second from left), and Ambassador Hsiao Jeffrey S. Chung, Director of the MOFA Southwestern Taiwan Office (second from right), who jointly witnessed the official inauguration of the upgraded facility.
Crop Trust Executive Director Stefan Schmitz emphasized, "The International Vegetable Genebank plays a critical role in securing the future of vegetable diversity. With this modernization, WorldVeg is ensuring that these invaluable genetic resources remain accessible to breeders, scientists, and farmers who rely on them to build climate-resilient and productive food systems."
The ceremony took place at WorldVeg's newly inaugurated research building, opened in 2024. Following the ribbon cutting, guests toured the enhanced genebank facilities, gaining insights into WorldVeg's latest advancements in crop genetic resource conservation, breeding research, and global food security initiatives.
For more information:
The World Vegetable Center
info@worldveg.org
https://avrdc.org/