The German Genebank for Fruit Crops (DGO) was founded to ensure the long-term and efficient conservation of fruit genetic resources in Germany and their availability for research and breeding as well as for fruit-growing and landscaping purposes.

The DGO is a network of federal, state and non-governmental organisations. Within the DGO there are several fruit-specific networks, e.g. for apple, cherry, strawberry, pear and plum. Data on fruit accessions are available in the National Inventory on Plant Genetic Resources in Germany (PGRDEU).

The Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants in Dresden-Pillnitz of the Julius Kühn-Institute (JKI) is the central coordinator of the multiple activities of the DGO. The advisory board of the DGO provides scientific advice to the genebank.

The distribution of planting material for breeding, research and training purposes takes place via the standardised material transfer agreement (SMTA) of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.

The Federal Office for Agriculture and Food is partner of the DGO and responsible for integration into national and international cooperation.