The National Genetic Resources Programme revises and updates the earlier National Plant and Animal Genetic Resources Programmes (MMM 2001 and MMM 2004). The Programme, prepared in cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and Natural Resources Institute Finland, covers the genetic resources of cultivated plants, domesticated animals, forest trees and fish.

The Programme provides the guidelines for the preservation, conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources. During the preparation process decisions on the content and priorities of the Programme were guided by the changes in the operating environment, reflected in strategies and policies concerning the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources.

The implementation of the Programme is coordinated by the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke). Genetic resources are being conserved by several public and private operators, of which the Natural Resources Institute Finland has the most significant role.

The National Advisory Body for Genetic Resources functions as the expert body of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in preparing matters relating to the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources. Its tasks include development and monitoring of the Programme, preparation of strategies and policies.