As the 21st century begins, crop genetic diversity has emerged as a key strategy to meet agricultural needs in a sustainable manner. Collections of plant genetic resources provide a source of useful genetic diversity for plant breeders and scientists who are developing more productive varieties. By providing safe storage of seed and ready access to seed, these collections also play an important role in conserving plant biodiversity.

Forage legumes are plants traditionally used to feed animals. Alfalfa, red and white clover are familiar forage legumes. These plants are also important for improving soil health, preventing erosion, and reclaiming contaminated soils. Because they contain healthful nutrients, they are increasingly found in grocery stores as sprouts, teas and herbal preparations. The Forage Legume seed collection contains over 13,000 accessions representing over 230 species in the plant genera, Medicago, Trifolium and Lotus. The collection contains old and new cultivars, primitive landraces, wild types of cultivated species and wild species collected from around the world.

The National Temperate Forage Legume Genetic Resource Unit manages the seed collection, and works to conserve and promote the use of forage legume diversity. We are a part of the Western Regional Plant Introduction Station, one of the four major seed germplasm repositories in the USDA, ARS National Plant Germplasm System. We are located at the Washington State University Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Prosser, Washington.