Breeding Resources
Providing breeders and researchers worldwide with top-tier services
We are a global service provider facilitating the development of better crop varieties worldwide. We offer streamlined, top-tier breeding services to CGIAR breeders, breeding programs, and esteemed partners like National Agricultural Research and Extensions Systems (NARES) and Sub-Regional Organizations. Our clientele is expanding and in the coming years, we will concentrate on broadening our reach and enhancing our service offerings.
Business Process Management
Establishing a comprehensive approach to optimizing CGIAR crop breeding activities.
Breeding Analytics
Establishing a comprehensive approach to optimizing CGIAR crop breeding activities.
Digital Solutions
Enhancing efficiency in research data management, knowledge sharing, and decision-making with digital
Crops to End Hunger
Accelerating and modernizing the development, delivery and widescale use of a steady stream of new crop varieties
Our Solutions
The Service Request Portal is a cloud-based one-stop shop for ordering BRS services. This dynamic platform enhances user engagement, pools Center resources, and ensures instant access to new data and resources.
The Enterprise Breeding System (EBS) is an open-source breeding informatics software being developed for crop breeding programs serving resource-poor farmers in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
The Breeding Analytics (BA) Pipeline as a cutting-edge tool designed to guide decision-making processes in global crop breeding. It extracts crop breeding data from diverse databases and conducts complex analyses for crop breeders.
A modern Learning Management System (LMS) has been introduced to make training scalable and efficient, and we collaborate with top agricultural universities and industry partners to enhance training experience and impact.
The Genetic Innovation Toolbox hosts details for using our low- and mid-density genotyping services, as well as tools, guides, best practices and training to create a culture of continuous improvement in breeding programs, enabling effective mechanization, automation and adoption of precision and high-throughput phenotyping tools.
What We Do
What We Do
Business Process Management (BPM) aims to establish a comprehensive approach to optimizing CGIAR crop breeding activities. By creating Research Operational Standards, we focus on identifying, analyzing, and continuously improving core processes to enhance customer satisfaction, efficiency, productivity, and quality.
What are the benefits for breeders?
- Risk mitigation in breeding programs: standards help identify potential risks such as disease susceptibility or environmental challenges early in the breeding process and take proactive steps to mitigate them.
- Operational efficiency: implementing standards streamlines crop breeding processes, reducing duplication of efforts, optimizing resource allocation, and ultimately enhancing efficiency in developing new crop varieties.
- Environmental stewardship: ISO standards related to environmental management help minimize the ecological footprint of crop breeding activities. By adopting sustainable practices and considering factors such as biodiversity conservation and ecosystem health, we can contribute to a more environmentally responsible approach to crop breeding.
- Continuous improvement in breeding techniques: standards encourage a culture of continuous improvement within research Centers and partner Organizations. By regularly reviewing and refining operational breeding methodologies in line with these standards, we can stay at the forefront of innovation in crop breeding, striving for superior traits and performance.
- Adoption of global best practices: standards serve as a reference point for incorporating global best practices into crop breeding programs. By leveraging the collective expertise and experience reflected in these standards, we can continuously improve the effectiveness and impact of crop breeding initiatives.
And for end-users?
- Enhanced crop quality and consistency: adhering to standards in breeding processes ensures that the quality of novel crop varieties remains consistent, meeting the expectations of farmers, distributors, and consumers alike.
- Global market access: compliance with breeding operations standards is essential for crop varieties to gain acceptance in international markets. By aligning with these standards, we ensure that the products meet the regulatory requirements of various countries, facilitating market entry and trade opportunities.
- Ensuring crop variety safety and reliability: adhering to standards for crop variety testing and evaluation ensures that released varieties are safe, reliable, and meet the needs of farmers and end-users. This commitment to quality assurance instils confidence in crop breeding efforts.
How can you order BPM services?
Learn more about our capacity building strategy and Learn with us.
Discover our Learning Management System.
For questions or to order BPM services, please contact Amer Najm, BPM Lead, at a.najm@cgiar.org.
The Breeding Analytics (BA) Unit is dedicated to advancing the field of biometrical genetics through a comprehensive suite of services and tools.
Which tools and services does it offer?
Here’s a look at what we offer:
- Development of biometrical genetics software and tools: We create cutting-edge software solutions like BioFlow, designed to streamline the analysis and interpretation of genetic data. These tools help researchers and breeders efficiently manage and analyze complex genetic information, enhancing the accuracy and speed of genetic evaluations.
- One-to-one support and consultancy for breeding programs: Our experts provide personalized consultancy services to assist breeding programs with genetic evaluation decisions. This includes tailored advice and support for analyzing genetic data and making informed decisions to optimize breeding outcomes.
- Capacity Building: We offer specialized training programs focused on data management and biometrical genetics. These trainings equip researchers and breeders with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage genetic data and apply biometrical techniques in their work.
- Breeding optimization through genetic simulation: Using advanced genetic simulation techniques, we help breeders optimize their breeding strategies. These simulations allow for the prediction and assessment of various breeding scenarios, enabling breeders to make data-driven decisions that improve genetic gain and overall program efficiency.
How can you order Breeding Analytics services?
Learn more about Bioflow, our biometrical genetics workflow, or Breeding Analytics Pipeline.
To request one or more of the services described above, please contact the Breeding Analytics Team at breedinganalytics@cgiar.org
The BRS unit provides digital solutions designed to enhance efficiency in research data management, knowledge sharing, and decision-making within the CGIAR community.
Which solutions are available?
- The Enterprise Breeding System (EBS): CGIAR’s preferred breeding data management platform, available to CGIAR Centers and partners, with a dedicated Global User Support serving customers worldwide 24/7.
- Cloud Computing Resources: Cloud services, infrastructure, and technical support all in one place, powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS).
- And, coming soon: With our Business Analysis service, we will help you identify and understand your business needs and document requirements and recommend suitable digital solutions to boost your business processes. Once your needs are clearly defined, we will manage the implementation process by planning, executing, monitoring, and closing the project, leading your team to great results with the recommended digital solution.
Why working with us?
Unlock innovation with Solutions Engineering and Innovation, which will turn your most ambitious ideas into reality. The team is specialized in driving new business capabilities through to cutting-edge research and the rapid piloting of innovative solutions. By partnering with us, you will benefit from the creation and enhancement of digital products that will take your activities to the next level.
Ensure seamless operations with Solutions Operations, your ultimate partner to ensure your digital services run smoothly. We ensure your technology infrastructure is robust, reliable, and secure. You can trust us to maintain compliance with stringent security standards, protect your data, and keep your applications up-to-date and functional. By working with us, you’ll enjoy peace of mind, knowing your digital services are always operating at peak performance.
Optimize business performance with Business Relationship Management, leveraging the expertise of our Global User Support along with our skilled business analysts and project managers. Partner with us to enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and drive your business forward with innovative strategies and solutions.
Our Global Shared Services (GSS) have two legs: Lab Services and Trialling and Nursery Support. Supported by an expert technical team, our fast, easy access Global Shared Services provide CGIAR and partners with more bargaining power. This allows the generation of cost-efficient, high-quality data across breeding networks.
Lab Services
Our lab services provide access to a comprehensive range of cutting-edge offerings:
- Genotyping Services:
- Low and Mid-Density Genotyping: Including elite line reference assembly
- Genome Sequencing: Utilizing fast and cost-effective technologies from partners like Corteva and the Earlham Institute to develop molecular breeding tools
- Elemental Analysis
- Biochemical Quality and Nutritional Testing
Trialling and Nursery
Our Trialling and Nursery Support Services provide specialized engineering support to Centers and partners. They include:
- Agronomic practice and phenotyping support for breeding, operational, and management teams in breeding stations
- Engineering capacity, through partner companies and consultants, helping stations from design to implementation
Goal of BRS Capacity Development
BRS capacity building aims to improve processes and adopt new technologies where needed. The team develops and implements comprehensive training programs, both in-person and virtual. A modern Learning Management System (LMS) has been introduced to make training scalable and efficient, and we collaborate with top agricultural universities and industry partners to enhance training experience and impact.
Impact of BRS Capacity Development
For CGIAR and its partners, the BRS capacity building team improves employee performance and productivity and fosters a culture of continuous improvement and learning. This work leads to better resource management, more innovative solutions, and an overall enhancement in agricultural practices.
Learning Opportunities with BRS
Online courses
Our online courses are available for free in our Service Request Portal. These courses cover a range of topics designed to enhance knowledge and skills in agricultural research and development.
In-person training programs
We offer a variety of in-person training sessions, workshops, and seminars facilitated by industry experts and top universities. These sessions provide hands-on experience and direct interaction with professionals in the field.
Virtual training programs
Our virtual training programs provide flexibility and accessibility, allowing participants to engage in learning activities from anywhere in the world. These programs include webinars, live sessions, and interactive modules.
Collaborations and Partnerships
Academic Collaborations
We collaborate with top agricultural universities to ensure our training content is cutting-edge and relevant. These partnerships help us integrate the latest research and advancements into our training programs.
Industry partnerships
Our partnerships with industry leaders enhance the practical aspects of our training, providing real-world applications and insights that benefit our learners.
Tools and technologies
Learning Management System (LMS)
Our modern LMS facilitates scalable and efficient training delivery. It supports various learning formats, tracks progress, and provides analytics to help improve the learning experience.
Adoption of new technologies
We continuously explore and adopt new technologies to enhance our training programs. This includes the integration of digital tools, simulation software, and advanced analytics to provide a comprehensive learning experience.
Additional support and resources
Continuous learning culture
We foster a culture of continuous improvement and learning by encouraging our team and partners to engage in ongoing education and professional development.
Performance improvement
Our training programs are designed to improve overall performance, leading to increased productivity, better job satisfaction, and a more competent workforce.
Crops to End Hunger (CtEH) is a CGIAR initiative to accelerate and modernize the development, delivery and widescale use of a steady stream of new crop varieties. These new varieties are developed to meet the food, nutrition and income needs of producers and consumers, respond to market demand and provide resilience to pests, diseases and new environmental challenges arising from climate change.
In 2017-18, a multi-Funder group, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), the UK Department for International Development (DFID), the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), agreed to launch a modernization program for public plant breeding in lower-income countries. The CtEH initiative will invigorate breeding for the staple crops most important to smallholder farmers and poor consumers.
How does it work?
CtEH supports focused, science-based, well-resourced and long-term CGIAR Programs and investments in modern plant breeding on priority crops, which build on:
- CGIAR’s demonstrated impact on food security and poverty reduction through plant breeding;
- CGIAR’s comparative advantages in global public goods research on crop breeding and genetics;
- CGIAR’s central role and responsibility for the conservation and characterization of the world’s crop biodiversity, which is held in trust by CGIAR Research Centers for the world community.
This initiative aims to accelerate a transition in CGIAR crop breeding to address very different challenges from those faced in the Green Revolution. Twenty CGIAR crops, including cereals, legumes and root crops, have been chosen for this breeding initiative.
One part of this challenge is for breeding to modernize in terms of its objectives beyond pure yield gain – to address the expanding demand for improved varieties to meet biotic and abiotic stresses, such as climate change and environmental degradation, and to include a wider set of nutritional and market traits, as well as traits relevant to both end-users and value chains, which would increase the adoption rate of newly-bred varieties.
The first step towards modernization of breeding programs is to identify the gaps – the areas that need to be addressed or improved. The Breeding Program Assessment Tool (BPAT) has been developed for this purpose. The deployment of BPAT has been administered by the University of Queensland and has now been used to assess the breeding programs across CGIAR Research Centers. Examples of gaps include cross-CGIAR data management tools, access to low-cost genotyping, and sharing high-quality technical advice across programs and with partners.
About the current program
Crops to End Hunger, funded by Germany through GIZ for the period 2023–2025, is upgrading facilities on breeding stations, building staff capacity to use more advanced equipment and breeding techniques, and developing foundational tools required to improve the efficiency and speed of crop breeding cycles. This modernization effort will enable the development of new, improved varieties quicker, making them available to smallholders sooner. There are currently 14 subprojects, following a competitive proposal process. The subprojects range in investment from $578,000 to a 16-station coordinated $15 million subproject. Each subproject is designed by the Centers and stations to meet their needs within the scope of Crops to End Hunger’s objective.
Download the project factsheet.
Benefits of modernizing breeding programs
- Modernization reduces drudgery in field operations, improves the accessibility of research and technical roles to women, and enhances the quality of breeding activities.
- Technology for improved phenotyping enables breeders to accurately and quickly measure variety performance and effectively target market in-demand traits.
- Facility development with irrigation and screenhouses enables year-round breeding operations, leading to more trials and quicker advancement of varieties.
- Investments in regional coordination will expand the reach of Crops to End Hunger benefits to breeding programs, and thereby the smallholder markets that can be impacted.
- Continued environmental and financial sustainability is achieved through appropriate maintenance capabilities and restructuring of financial management for cost-recovery.
What will result?
This process of improvement and modernization of CGIAR breeding programs will provide multiple benefits:
- For a given level of investment it is anticipated that each breeding program will achieve increased rates of genetic gain and scale of impact – through adoption of farmer-preferred, market-demanded, climate-resilient varieties.
- There will be further opportunity to integrate and support allied CGIAR crop programs, and to apply best practices across CGIAR Research Centers.
- A stronger partnership and closer cooperation with national breeding programs, including national research institutes, universities and small and medium-sized enterprises in the private sector in low-income countries, as well as multilateral seed companies and advanced research institutes.
- Adopting standardized ways of reporting needs, opportunities and progress will provide Funders with a transparent view of where and how they are getting high rates of return for their investment.
With this new initiative, CGIAR will enhance its contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals towards 2030 through high-priority staple crops tailored for the specific needs of targeted regions and their populations.
Implementation dashboards
Our Solutions
Our Solutions
BRS Service Request Portal
The Service Request Portal is a cloud-based one-stop shop for ordering BRS services. This dynamic platform enhances user engagement, pools Center resources, and ensures instant access to new data and resources. For example, newly added molecular markers become immediately available to the entire network, including Centers and national partners.
Why order our services through the Service Request Portal?
Enterprise Breeding System (EBS)
The Enterprise Breeding System (EBS) is an open-source breeding informatics software being developed for crop breeding programs serving resource-poor farmers in Africa, Asia and Latin America. EBS connects, merges and builds upon existing breeding software and data solutions to offer a single powerful tool, so that breeders can focus on using data to create better varieties, faster.
EBS has been chosen as the preferred data management system of CGIAR.
What about Centers and partners using other solutions?
As many partners will continue to use other systems in the next years, they will continue to be supported by BRS Digital Solutions team during a transition period. CGIAR hopes all breeding programs will adopt EBS within the next few years, after the transition phase where other breeding data management systems will co-exist with EBS. The data management platform is available to CGIAR Centers and partners, with a dedicated Global User Support serving customers worldwide 24/7.
About BRS Capacity Development
At BRS, our capacity development initiatives are designed to refine processes and integrate cutting-edge technologies. We have introduced a state-of-the-art Learning Management System (LMS) to ensure our training programs are both scalable and efficient. By partnering with leading agricultural universities and industry experts, we enhance the quality and impact of our training experiences.
How it works
Our dedicated capacity building team creates and implements comprehensive training programs tailored to improve employee performance and productivity. These programs cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and lifelong learning, ensuring that our workforce remains at the forefront of industry advancements.
Learning Management System
Our modern Learning Management System (LMS) serves as the backbone of our training initiatives. It provides a seamless platform for delivering educational content, tracking progress, and measuring the effectiveness of training programs. The LMS enables us to offer a flexible and engaging learning experience, accessible anytime and anywhere, meeting the diverse needs of our employees.
What’s the Breeding Analytics Pipeline?
Our biometrical genetics workflow (Bioflow) or Breeding Analytics Pipeline enables users to access methods for understanding or using evolutionary forces (mutation, gene flow, migration, and selection) such as automatic state-of-the-art genetic evaluation (selection force) in decision making. Designed to be database agnostic, it can retrieve data from the available phenotypic-pedigree databases (EBS, BMS, BreedBase), genotypic databases (GIGWA), and environmental databases (NASAPOWER) and carry out analytic procedures.
Who is it for?
Which analyses can be performed by Bioflow?
- Data cleaning
- Single-trial analysis for quality assurance
- Multi-trial analysis using genomic and environmental information
- Selection indices for selection and product advancement
- Optimal cross selection for crossing block planning
- Realized and predicted genetic gain for monitoring performance of breeding pipelines
- Additional data management functionalities
Resources
- Bioflow Production Server
- Bioflow video tutorial
Goal of BRS Capacity Development
BRS capacity building aims to improve processes and adopt new technologies where needed. The team develops and implements comprehensive training programs, both in-person and virtual. A modern Learning Management System (LMS) has been introduced to make training scalable and efficient, and we collaborate with top agricultural universities and industry partners to enhance training experience and impact.
Impact of BRS Capacity Development
For CGIAR and its partners, the BRS capacity building team improves employee performance and productivity and fosters a culture of continuous improvement and learning. This work leads to better resource management, more innovative solutions, and an overall enhancement in agricultural practices.
Learning Opportunities with BRS
Online courses
Our online courses are available for free in our Service Request Portal. These courses cover a range of topics designed to enhance knowledge and skills in agricultural research and development.
In-person training programs
We offer a variety of in-person training sessions, workshops, and seminars facilitated by industry experts and top universities. These sessions provide hands-on experience and direct interaction with professionals in the field.
Virtual training programs
Our virtual training programs provide flexibility and accessibility, allowing participants to engage in learning activities from anywhere in the world. These programs include webinars, live sessions, and interactive modules.
Collaborations and Partnerships
Academic Collaborations
We collaborate with top agricultural universities to ensure our training content is cutting-edge and relevant. These partnerships help us integrate the latest research and advancements into our training programs.
Industry partnerships
Our partnerships with industry leaders enhance the practical aspects of our training, providing real-world applications and insights that benefit our learners.
Tools and technologies
Learning Management System (LMS)
Our modern LMS facilitates scalable and efficient training delivery. It supports various learning formats, tracks progress, and provides analytics to help improve the learning experience.
Adoption of new technologies
We continuously explore and adopt new technologies to enhance our training programs. This includes the integration of digital tools, simulation software, and advanced analytics to provide a comprehensive learning experience.
Additional support and resources
Continuous learning culture
We foster a culture of continuous improvement and learning by encouraging our team and partners to engage in ongoing education and professional development.
Performance improvement
Our training programs are designed to improve overall performance, leading to increased productivity, better job satisfaction, and a more competent workforce.
What is the Genetic Innovation toolbox?
The Genetic Innovation (GI) Toolbox features user-validated tools, services, best practices, and learning materials developed or curated by the CGIAR Genetic Innovation Science Group for the improvement of breeding programs. It provides details for using our low- and mid-density genotyping services, as well as tools, guides, best practices and training to create a culture of continuous improvement in breeding programs, enabling effective mechanization, automation and adoption of precision and high-throughput phenotyping tools.
Genotyping / sequencing tools and services
Genotyping and sequencing services, combined with support and training, to accelerate the rate at which new varieties can be developed. These include details for using low- and mid-density genotyping services.
Low and mid-density genotyping services
Operations and phenotyping
Tools, guides, best practices and training to create a culture of continuous improvement in breeding programs, enabling effective mechanization, automation and adoption of precision and high-throughput phenotyping tools.
Breeding informatics
Integrated data and bioinformatics tools to manage and convert data created via advanced phenotypic and genotypic technologies.