Genetic engineering and seed banks: Impacts on global crop diversity

Genetic diversity is viewed as a means by which agricultural plants can adapt to the threat of climate change. Maintaining this diversity within agricultural crops is considered vital. The rise of genetic engineering within crop seeds is believed to have a significant impact on crop diversity resulting in monocultures and potentially contributing to a loss in diversity. The concern for loss of genetic diversity has given rise to a greater investment in seed banks as a viable option for preserving and generating seed diversity. However, there are issues associated with the creation of seed banks, including funding controversy and equitable access to genetic material.