The Minor Crops Network is overseen by a Coordinating Group, established in June 1999 and is composed of focal persons from various conservation initiatives in Europe on Minor Crops.
Crops considered within this Network may belong to the categories of underutilized traditional crops; spices and medicinal plants; plants for environmental remediation and for bio-fuel production; and/or potential new crops.
During its first meeting in Turku, Finland (June 1999), the Coordinating Group agreed on further criteria to determine, within these categories, the crops of priority such as: risk of genetic erosion; economic importance; regional distribution; traditional knowledge; indigenous origin; use of the crop and of the genetic resources and the level of genetic diversity available.

The NCG identified focal persons for "minor fruits" (Ignacio Batlle, Spain), for "minor cereals" (Anna Michalová, Czech Republic) and for "minor vegetables" (Adolfo Rosati, Italy). These focal persons have the responsibility of identifying, in collaboration with the relevant "major crops" network, a list of crops/species, which should become the focus of the Network for priority activities. Information on the genetic resources, their use and conservation status of the selected crops/species will then be collected in collaboration with experts and other related Networks.

Minor fruits: paper from Ignacio Batlle [here]

Minor cereals: paper from A. Michalová [here]

The Nordic Gene Bank offered to compile a list of species held in European genebanks to establish a knowledge base on the conservation status of minor crops in Europe. A classification of economically important plants is available (consult paper from Morten Hulden [here]).

On-going work for the development of a list of European cultivated plants is being carried out by K. Hammer (consult paper from K. Hammer and M. Spahillari [here]). This work focuses on plants that have been through some selection process and are maintained under cultivation, although often in small agricultural niches and for local use. The intention is to contribute to the compilation of a Red Data Book for European Crop Plants and to promote the collection of remaining landraces, since it is not always feasible to ensure their conservation in situ.

A new Working Group on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants is being established within ECPGR, as approved by the Steering Committee in October 2001. This Working Group will contribute to the effective and sustainable use of these species. Close collaboration with the IUCN Medicinal Plants Specialist Group will be essential.