As well as providing access to research samples via the Portal, the NRC also welcomes the deposit of important samples of relevance to UK crop health from external sources, for long-term stable storage. Deposits are preserved in-house using two gold-standard methods of preservation developed by CABI and can be stored under 3 different levels of protection based on the requirements of the depositor. For example, fee-free deposits become open access to other researchers on the Portal, supporting and improving public research activities across the sector. Whereas paid secure and safe storage services provide confidential storage of commercially-important samples, these samples are not accessible publicly.

In summary, our services include:

• The supply of novel biological organisms and any associated data with potential agri-tech applications to support research and development
• Access to expertise from technical staff and partners
• The preservation and long-term stable storage of key crop reference samples of national importance – for industry and researchers

If you would like to learn more about the samples and services available through the National Reference Collection, please contact Enquiries@Chap-solutions.co.uk.

If you wish to discuss the storage of strains as part of a patent application process, please contact CABI directly, an IDA (International Depositary Authority) under the Budapest treaty.