USDA - NLGRP Lab Tour RSVP

The USDA’s National Laboratory for Genetic Resource Preservation (NLGRP) plays a vital role in safeguarding and researching the genetic diversity of America’s food crops and animals. By collecting and preserving genetic material such as semen or embryos, the program ensures that valuable genetics are protected against loss due to disease, natural disasters, and remain available for research or corrective mating if a new genetic condition arises. The biorepository acts as a genetic insurance policy, maintaining the foundation for future breeding programs and research. Their work supports ongoing efforts to improve traits like immune function, fertility, growth, and environmental adaptability, all while helping producers maintain genetic diversity. Without diversity, adaptability suffers and vulnerability to illness or other environmental challenges rise. By preserving genetic diversity, producers can continue to observe increases in performance with each generation. The tour will include viewing the laboratories, storage facilities, and learning about the projects that go on at the lab. Tour duration will be about 90 minutes, dependent on the number of RSVPs.