The value of genetic resources in agriculture: a meta-analysis assessing existing knowledge and future research needs

Abstract

The protection of genetic resources in agriculture is an important aspect of biodiversity conservation. Knowledge of the value of genetic resources can contribute to determining the appropriate focus and extent of conservation. This study reviewed and summarised literature on the economic value of genetic resources using meta-analysis. Altogether, 22 studies were used to describe current knowledge on the value of genetic resources. Furthermore, 14 studies with 93 value observations were examined with a meta-regression model to identify variables that explain the willingness-to-pay (WTP) for or willingness-to-accept (WTA) loss of genetic resources. Grain genetic resources were ascribed lower value compared to animal genetic resources (AnGR) and agrobiodiversity, and the values of breeds or varieties and conservation programmes were higher than the value of individual attributes. Future research should address the gaps in knowledge that are relevant for policy-making. This particularly includes improving knowledge on the value of plant genetic resources (PGR), obtaining value estimates for maintaining genetic diversity in Europe and the United States, estimating the relative magnitude of use and non-use values and determining the value consumers place on genetic resources and diversity in agriculture. An extensive database with valuation literature on genetic resources that fulfils the requirements for benefit transfer is essential to utilise value information more efficiently in decision-making situations.

Seed exchange networks for agrobiodiversity conservation. A review

“…Meta-analysis does not preclude a narrative review of a series of studies but provides a synthesis of quantitative data in a way that is less prone to subjective bias (Gurevitch et al 2001;Ahtiainen and Pouta 2011;Doré et al 2011). One problem with meta-analysis derives from the necessity to obtain comparable data (McLaren et al 2005;Harrison 2011;Philibert et al 2012), although it is possible to control for potentially confounding factors (in seed exchange networks, e.g., farmers' age, gender, genealogy, wealth).…”

Promoting the utilization of plant, animal and microbial genetic resources for research and development in biotechnology: evidence on researchers' preferences for specific attributes from Korean genebanks

“…Within the utilitarian framework, there are different ways to classify the value of genetic resources. The total value derived from genetic resources is divided into two categories: use and non-use values (Gollin and Evenson, 2003; Ahtiainen and Pouta, 2011).…”

Consumers as Conservers—Could Consumers’ Interest in a Specialty Product Help to Preserve Endangered Finncattle?

“…The social and economic aspects of conservation policies and sustainable use have gained some attention (Drucker et al 2001;Ruto et al 2008;Zander and Drucker 2008). However, as Ahtiainen and Pouta (2011) note, most valuation studies have focused on developing countries, while European or North American studies are rare. Furthermore, consumers' attitudes toward the products of indigenous breeds have received little attention.…”