The Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute (PGRRI) was established in 1964 as a section of the Crops Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) under the name Plant Introduction and Exploration (PIE). Its function was to introduce exotic tropical species for trials in Ghana, and evaluate their economic potentials, as well as to assemble and maintain the germplasm of plants in Ghana. In 1985, its name was changed to Plant Genetic Resources Unit (PGRU). In August 1994 the Unit's mandate was expanded and its status elevated to that of a Centre within the CSIR and later to an Institute in August 2005 to reflect the scope of its activities and to conform to international designation of similar institutions.