Breeding4Diversity: A research agenda for increased genetic diversity in future circular and nature-inclusive production systems

More biodiversity and genetic diversity in crops, trees, and livestock is considered an important strategy to improve resilience and sustainability of agricultural and forestry production systems that contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation. Plant and animal breeding need to provide well-adapted varieties and breeds that fit into these systems.In this report, we draw visions of five innovative agricultural production and forestry systems and used them in focus groups of scientists, breeders, and pioneer entrepreneurs to discuss the contribution of biodiversity and genetic diversity to the sustainability and resilience of the system, breeding goals, access to genetic material to realize the breeding goals, and the priorities for breeding and research. Although transition pathways can differ between systems, strategic research i should concentrate on the relationship between wider use of genetic resources, increasing beneficial species/breed/variety interactions, and the resilience of production systems.