Genetic Improvement Networks

Funded by Defra, the Genetic Improvement Networks (GINs) generate pre-breeding material that carries novel, profitable and sustainable traits for many major crops.

The Genetic Improvement Networks (GINS) ensure efforts are placed on key crop traits and the material produced (genetic and knowledge) is accessible to breeders.

In summer 2024, Defra awarded a further £15 million to support five GINs over the next five years. 

Delivered by consortia of research institutes and universities, collaborative research is at the heart of the networks.

In the latest phase, the GINs will also consider underutilised and novel crops and continue to harness opportunities offered by the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act.

Each year, the GINs hold stakeholder meetings to share the latest developments with anyone interested in crop genetics. Usually, these take place each autumn. Keep an eye on their websites for times, dates, locations and programme information.

Next/recent meeting 

Information coming soon.

Next/recent meeting 

18 December 2025 (University of Hertfordshire)

Next/recent meeting

3 February 2026 (PGRO Conference Centre, Peterborough)

Next/recent meeting

14 January 2026 (Warwickshire)

Next/recent meeting

TBC

Although there is not a genetic improvement club for barley, there is the International Barley Hub (IBH). It promotes excellence in barley science and collaboration across the scientific, industrial and commercial sectors. The hub’s goal is to generate new discoveries, with the aim to improve the resilience and sustainability of barley production.