Plant genetic resources have been recognized as important elements for both food security and sustainable agriculture. They are also among the important means in alleviating poverty, increasing crop productivity and  improving nutritional quality and variety. They play an essential role in fighting current challenges that face achieving food security ,including pests, pathogens and climate change. Information about population growth, poverty, food production and consumption in several Middle Eastern countries along with food-producing plants and plant genetic resources were collected. Threats to food security and the  importance of plant genetic resources in enhancing food security in those countries were analyzed and evaluated. The results provide  indications  of future demand for germplasm and will help  in guiding breeders and policy makers in planning and managing of these vital resources for food security and other calamities facing agriculture  in  the region and globally. 

Key Words: food security, genetic resources, Middle East, poverty