Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands

CGN works to conserve genetic diversity in crops, farm animals, trees and aquaculture. Our gene banks, expertise and advice contribute to the sustainable food systems and forests of the future.

Areas of expertise

Plant Genetic Resources

CGN manages the gene bank for plant genetic resources which stores almost 24,000 varieties and wild populations. View the experise here.

Animal Genetic Resources

The Animal Genetic Resources supports the conservation of breeds and conserves genetic material in its genebank. View the expertise here.

Forest Genetic Resources

The Forest Genetic Resources expertise preserves the genetic diversity of our native tree and shrub species. View the expertise here.

Aquatic Genetic Resources

The Aquatic Genetic Resources monitors and conserves genetic material of aquaculture species that are cultivated and occur in the wild in the Netherlands. View the expertise here.

CGN: 40 jaar voor voedselzekerheid, en voor behoud van biodiversiteit en ons bio-cultureel erfgoed

To preserve genetic diversity in the long term, make it more accessible, and increase the impact of the gene bank, growth of the CGN collections is essential. Therefore, Wageningen University & Research is investing in new gene bank facilities on Wageningen Campus, where all current and future collections of plant and animal genetic material will be brought together in one modern building.

Explore more

Video

What does CGN do? Watch the animation video

Research@WUR

Check out our research projects on Research@WUR

ABS-Loket Netherlands

Practical information and guidelines on access and benefit-sharing

News (1)

News

Cryopreservation sperm European eel: where are we now?

06/12/25

Over the past years, a lot of research has been conducted to optimize sperm cryopreservation protocols for the European eel (Anguilla anguilla). Pauline Jéhannet, researcher in fish reproduction and cryopreservation at CGN, provides an update on the latest developments.

Contact CGN

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Contact one of our experts

ir. SJ (Sipke Joost) Hiemstra

Head of the Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands (CGN) of Wageningen University & Research

ir. SJ (Sipke Joost) Hiemstra

Head of the Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands (CGN) of Wageningen University & Research

dr.ir. M (Martin) Brink

WR Onderzoeker

dr.ir. M (Martin) Brink

WR Onderzoeker

Plant Genetic Resources

dr.ir. TJL (Theo) van Hintum

head CGN-PGR

dr.ir. TJL (Theo) van Hintum

head CGN-PGR

R (Rik) Lievers, PhD

WR Onderzoeker

R (Rik) Lievers, PhD

WR Onderzoeker

dr.ir. TG (Erik) Wijnker

Researcher genebank methodologies

dr.ir. TG (Erik) Wijnker

Researcher genebank methodologies

Animal Genetic Resources

dr.ir. AP (Annemieke) Rattink

Programme manager

dr.ir. AP (Annemieke) Rattink

Programme manager

Forest Genetic Resources

dr.ir. J (Joukje) Buiteveld

WR Onderzoeker

dr.ir. J (Joukje) Buiteveld

WR Onderzoeker

dr.ir. P (Paul) Copini

Researcher & lecturer

dr.ir. P (Paul) Copini

Researcher & lecturer

Aquatic Genetic Resources

dr. W (Wout) Abbink

WR researcher

dr. W (Wout) Abbink

WR researcher

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