This session will delve into the essential role of cryopreservation in the long-term conservation of clonal and recalcitrant crops such as potatoes, bananas, and cassava—crops that cannot be stored in conventional seed banks like the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. Attendees will gain insights into CIP’s leadership in establishing a thriving cryopreservation hub in Latin America and the growing need for a coordinated global cryopreservation network.

Key discussions will focus on the scientific and financial benefits of cryopreservation as a tool for safeguarding agricultural biodiversity and ensuring future food security. This side event will underscore the urgency of integrating cryopreservation into global agricultural strategies.