The Advisory and Coordination Committee for Genetic Resources of Agricultural and Horticultural Crops (BEKO) was established in 2002. It consists of up to 17 members representing federal and state authorities, professional associations and organisations from science and breeding industry, and non-governmental organisations. The BEKO supports the implementation of the National Programme for the Conservation and Use of Plant Genetic Resources of Agricultural and Horticultural Crops.

The BEKO is chaired by the Information and Coordination Centre for Biological Diversity (IBV) of the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food. The BEKO's secretariat is also located at the IBV. The BEKO convenes twice a year.