Quality management systems

The Genebank Standards and Practical Guides are not the only advice available to you. Chances are that your own national genebank may be developing its own guidelines. Agricultural research organizations all over the world are starting to implement quality management systems and standard operating procedures in order to continuously drive improvements and meet customer and regulatory requirements.

Standard operating procedures are written instructions outlining how specific tasks are carried out within the genebank. They are being developed across all the main stages in germplasm management, including collecting new in situ diversity, post-entry quarantine, seed processing (e.g., cleaning, drying, testing and packing), conservation and monitoring in the active and base storage facilities, and regeneration to replenish accessions with low stock or low viability. Standard operating procedures help make operations more consistent, efficient and compliant with national and international policies.

A quality management system requires a robust data management system to collect, store and share information in a way that is accessible and supports operational efficiency. By using barcode or QR code technology for tracking accessions across procedures, and using a global platform to share accession data, information management systems contribute to raising genebank standards. In addition, genebanks must withstand natural disasters, acts of war, fire or national emergencies, so a sound quality management system includes mechanisms for identifying and mitigating risks and safety duplication of collections. It is essential that knowledge is shared and passed on, so a quality management system also includes staff development in the form of training and succession planning.

With so many resources available, you may be wondering what extra you will learn on this course. The answer is that this course will provide you with guidance on questions about ‘why’ a particular approach will work on a particular species, rather than ‘how’ to follow procedures. This will empower you to make informed decisions and ultimately, perhaps, contribute to the science of seed conservation, which underpins the future evolution of the Genebank Standards.