The goals of the German Gene Bank for Ornamentals are:

1. The collection and conservation of genetic resources using methods that are scientific, secure in the long term, sustainable, cost efficient and with particular regard to
   • German varieties,
   • varieties with social, cultural, local or historic links to Germany,
   • varieties and wild species with important horticultural features for research and cultivation purposes,
   • varieties that are not covered by any plant breeders’ rights.
2. The authenticity testing of ornamental varieties and ornamental wild species is given the highest priority.
   The collection and conservation covers, in particular, varieties and species that are
   • endangered,
   • of commercial importance and
   • of particular importance to plant breeding.
3. The promotion of the use of genetic resources by means of characterisation, evaluation, national inventories and documentation, as well as the provision of propagation material and the associated freely available information;
4. The use of synergies and mutual support regarding all questions relating to conservation and collection management;
5. Mutual support and collaboration in seminars, further education events, public relations work and projects;
6. Supporting the implementation of the National Work Programme for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Plant Genetic Resources of Agricultural and Horticultural Crops in Germany as a component of the German Gene Bank for Ornamentals and
7. Supporting international collaboration and schemes as well as agreements relating to biodiversity, for example, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGR).