750422FAI Farms Poultry GeneticsClosedVouchersInnovate UKThe genetic biodiversity of the world's food animals is being lost as indigenous breeds are going extinct. This genetic diversity is an important resource needed to promote food security in the future. There is difficulty in preserving poultry genetics in particular because there are significant problems with both cryopreservation (freezing) and in-situ preservation (maintaining large populations of living birds). FAI has a potential solution to this problem but needs scientific advice to make it work. If successful FAI will provide the technical expertise to other organisations within the UK and overseas. It may be particularly important in poorer countries, as the technique provides an affordable and effective way of preserving indigenous poultry breeds.