Formation 1973 Type Conservation charity | Founder Joe Henson Legal status Registered charity | |
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Purpose Conservation of native livestock breeds of the United Kingdom Location Stoneleigh Park
Nr. Kenilworth
Warwickshire CV8 2LG | ||
The Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) is a conservation charity whose purpose is to secure the continued existence and viability of the native farm animal genetic resources (FAnGR) of the United Kingdom. It was founded in 1973 by Joe Henson to preserve native breeds; since then, no UK-native breed has become extinct.
It maintains a watch list of rare native breeds of cattle, sheep, pigs, horses, goats and poultry, and an approved list of farm parks.
Projects have included the collection of genetic material to ensure the future of rare breeds in a farm animal "gene bank". This project received publicity in the wake of the foot-and-mouth disease crisis in the UK and was supported by the Prince of Wales.
RBST supports the marketing of meat from rare breeds through the Traditional Breeds Meat Marketing Company, founded in 2003.