The Genetic Resource Centre (GRC), was founded in 2006 under the administration of LSFRI “Silava” The GRC is responsible for coordinating all Latvian genetic resource activities, including crop and fruit species, vegetables, aromatic and medicinal species, forestry, animal and fish genetic resources. The GRC incorporates the Latvian gene bank, the central database and a genetic analysis laboratory. The gene bank holds accessions of Latvian origin, including wild relatives of crop species. We are also planning to include forest tree seeds in the near future. The central database maintains records of all Latvian plant genetic resources within the SESTO database (in collaboration with NordGen), as well as maintaining an in-house database of characterisation and evaluation data (utilising crop descriptors). A central internet portal has been established (www.genres.lv