National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation

National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation The National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation (NCGRP) conserves genetic resources of crops and animals important to US agriculture and landscapes.

Preservation of genetic diversity in ex situ genebanks such as NCGRP is important for conservation of biological diversity and utilization of genetic resources for economic and environmental sustainability. Formerly called the National Seed Storage Laboratory (NSSL), our facility changed its name in 2001 to reflect an expanded mission beyond seed storage. In addition to being a seed bank, NCGRP is

a repository for animal genetic resources in the form of semen and plant genetic resources in the form of graftable buds or in vitro plantlets. Genetic resources are preserved using state-of-the-art technology that often involves cryogenics. A research team with cryobiology expertise works to develop cryopreservation technologies.

CSU link
05/22/2026

CSU link

A history of CSU's building and grounds from 1870 to the present.

05/22/2026

"The National Laboratory for Genetic Resources Preservation (NLGRP) in Fort Collins, Colorado, is a USDA facility that safeguards the genetic diversity of U.S. agricultural resources, including plants, animals, insects, and microbes, to support food, feed, and fiber security. Originally opened in 1958 as the National Seed Storage Laboratory (NSSL), it houses the world's largest collection of plant and microbial genetic resources, storing seeds and other materials in secure, climate-controlled vaults for long-term preservation and research.

Key functions
Preservation: Stores vast collections of seeds, plant, animal, insect, and microbial genetic material in secure vaults, using methods like cold storage and cryopreservation.

Research: Conducts research to develop new technologies for preserving biological diversity and improving the management of genetic resources.

Back-up repository: Serves as a secure backup for the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS).

Distribution: Makes genetic resources available to scientists, breeders, and researchers worldwide for crop improvement and other uses.

History and context
Opened: 1958, as the National Seed Storage Laboratory (NSSL).

Renamed: Became the National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation (NCGRP) in 2002, and is also known as the NLGRP.

Location: Situated on the Colorado State University campus, chosen for the region's ideal low humidity for seed storage."

Agricultural Genetic Resources Preservation Research is located in Fort Collins, CO and is part of the Plains Area.Phone...
05/22/2026

Agricultural Genetic Resources Preservation Research is located in Fort Collins, CO and is part of the Plains Area.
Phone: 970-492-7771
Fax: 970-492-7408
AGRICULTURAL GENETIC RESOURCES PRESERVATION RESEAR
1111 SOUTH MASON STREET
Fort Collins, CO 80521

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02/22/2022

Anyone who has been able to stop by for a visit or worked here is encouraged to leave a review so that others can find the group 🙂 thanks everyone!

Governor Polis stopped by!
03/31/2021

Governor Polis stopped by!

03/17/2016

The stunning, multi-colored corn is real and edible, and its seeds are now in high demand.

07/09/2014
03/18/2014

A new documentary underscores how many different problems seed diversity could solve for us. But first we have to stop casually losing varieties.

Address

1111 S Mason Street
Fort Collins, CO
80521

Telephone

(970) 495-3200

Website

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