Genesys 2026 Workplan
April 21, 2026
Key highlights
The Crop Trust 2026 workplan sets out a clear path for the continued development and operation of Genesys as a global data platform for plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA). In 2026, the focus is on expanding the network of data providers, improving data quality and accessibility, and enhancing the platform’s functionality and user experience.
Expanding the Network of Data Providers
Increasing the number of data providers remains a key priority. In 2026, at least ten new genebanks are expected to join Genesys, including partners from the Digitize Genebanks initiative and additional institutions engaged through targeted outreach and collaboration with Crop Trust partner organisations.
To support onboarding, two planned webinars will guide new partners through the full process of becoming a data provider, including the use of MCPD standards, data uploads (manual and automated), and publishing images, subsets and trait data.
Supporting Data Publishing and Quality
Maintaining high-quality, up-to-date data is essential. The aim is to ensure that 80% of all accessions in Genesys have been updated within the last 24 months.
The team will actively support genebanks in data cleaning, validation and publishing, prioritizing partners from CGIAR and projects such as Digitize Genebanks and BOLD projects. At least 30 genebanks are expected to receive direct technical support.
The continued development and promotion of Embedded Genesys will enable institutions to integrate their data directly into their own websites, with a target of five new implementations in 2026.
Increasing User Engagement
User engagement will be strengthened through regular content and communication. Monthly activity posts and use cases will highlight new developments, partner contributions and data updates, feeding into quarterly newsletters and social media outreach.
The Genesys helpdesk will continue to support users and respond to data-related queries reported to helpdesk@genesys-pgr.org or gitlab, while coordination with the Crop Trust communications team will ensure broader visibility of updates and activities.
Enhancing the Genesys Platform
Ongoing improvements to the Genesys website will focus on usability, performance and accessibility. This includes updates to the platform’s design and functionality, as well as improvements to multilingual support through better translations and the development of shared glossaries. Behind the scenes, the system will be kept up to date with modern technologies to ensure long-term sustainability, maintainability and performance.
Reliable operation remains a core priority. Efforts will focus on minimizing downtime, improving infrastructure, and strengthening monitoring and backup systems.
Governance and coordination will continue through regular engagement with the Genesys Advisory Committee and participation in international initiatives such as GLIS and EURISCO. Internal processes, documentation and data archiving will also be maintained to ensure continuity and transparency.
These priorities reflect a continued effort to strengthen Genesys as a global infrastructure for PGRFA data, supporting genebanks, researchers and policymakers in conserving and using crop diversity more effectively.