The world is constantly changing - and it actually requires quite an effort to keep oneself up-to-date. I'm thinking of such issues as international agreements, climate change and national strategies for how to cope with future challenges. It is important that the assessment of genetic resources is also included in these processes. We must not look at genetic resources as a 'dusty and boring' field of study, but rather as an exciting area with a tremendous potential. Our future depends completely on a diversity of genetic resources, but, there seems to be quite a widespread lack of understanding for the profound significance of these resources. In my opinion, part of the problem is that those who are not involved in the management of genetic resources take genetic resources as a matter of course - which they unfortunately are not. Together, we must contribute to these efforts, no matter in what field we are working in. All aspects of primary production are in one way or another based on the earth's genetic resources, and we have to stand together to secure the diversity of these resources in the future.