Preserving the Past, Securing the Future: Why CryoStore Matters

Europe is home to an incredible variety of native farm animals—from hardy mountain sheep to rare heritage pigs. But many of these breeds are disappearing. In fact, over 590 local breeds have already gone extinct, and more are at risk. This loss of animal biodiversity isn’t just about losing beautiful animals—it’s about losing valuable traits like disease resistance, climate adaptability, and food security.

That’s where CryoStore comes in.

CryoStore is a cutting-edge European research initiative aimed at protecting our precious animal heritage through cryopreservation—freezing and storing animal reproductive cells (like sperm, eggs, and embryos). These biological "time capsules" are vital for:

• Saving endangered breeds

• Boosting genetic diversity in modern farming

• Ensuring future food security

• Fighting climate change with nature’s own solutions

By freezing and preserving these genetic materials, we can restore lost breeds, improve the health and efficiency of livestock, and prepare for future challenges like disease outbreaks and environmental stress.

But it’s not simple. Current freezing techniques can damage cells, reduce fertility, or cause unknown genetic effects. CryoStore is tackling these problems head-on by developing better preservation methods and training a new generation of experts to lead the way in animal conservation and breeding innovation.

With nearly 30 million people in Europe depending on animal agriculture, and a rapidly changing climate threatening global food supplies, this work has never been more urgent.

CryoStore is building on the successful EU project IMAGE and taking it to the next level—bringing together scientists, farmers, and conservationists to protect what matters most: our shared animal heritage and a secure food future for generations to come.