National Plant Genome Initiative Workshop

The National Plant Genome Initiative (NPGI) was established in 1998 as a coordinated national research program by the Interagency Working Group on Plant Genomes (IWGPG) under the Committee on Science of the National Science and Technology Council. The goal of the NPGI is to develop a basic knowledge of the structures and functions of plant genomes and translate this knowledge to a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of economically important plants and plant processes of potential economic value. By bridging basic research and plant performance in the field, the NPGI seeks to accelerate basic discovery and innovation in economically important plants and enable enhanced management of agriculture, natural resources, and the environment to meet societal needs.

The activities of the NPGI have been coordinated through three Five Year Plans covering 1998-2001, 2002-2008, and 2009-2013[1]. The IWGPG was re-established in November 2012 under the Life Sciences Sub Committee of the Committee on Science to engage the plant community in prioritizing genomics tools and resources, define new strategies that will meet community needs and priorities sustainably, advance biological innovation and breakthrough discovery, and improve coordination among Federal agencies and international plant genomics partners. As part of its activities, the IWGPG has been charged with seeking input from the broader research community, including the public and private sectors as well as the international community, towards the development of the NPGI 2014-2018 Strategic Plan.

In this workshop, the IWGPG will seek input into the identification of strategic research needs and resource gaps for the development of sustainable systems for food, bioenergy, and industrial feedstock production. A critical element of its activities will be the management of the wealth of plant genomics data, data standardization, and metadata. Consideration will be given to:

• Minimization of inputs such as water, energy, pesticides, and fertilizer,

• Effects of climate change and increasing agricultural productivity

• Minimization of environmental impacts using plant genomics

• Opportunities for Federal agency coordination, cooperation, public/private partnerships

• Associated opportunities to enhance training, education, and public outreach

Short presentations will be given on potential priorities as a starting point for discussion. All are welcome to attend and participate!

[1] http://www.nsf.gov/bio/pubs/reports/npgi_five_year_plan_2009_2013.pdf

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