Resources for locally led plant breeding and agrobiodiversity management
Climate change and social changes in food requirements and uses has been creating a need for new cropping approaches. The exploration of underutilised crop genetic resources (genetic material of plants with limited current use and potential to improve / diversify cropping systems) could play an important role in addressing this need.
To this end, the DIVERSIFOOD project adopted a multi-actor research approach for community-based plant breeding and management of agrobiodiversity. Underutilised crops were experimented with to evaluate them and develop new varieties. These participatory experiments involved farmers, processers, researchers, and consumers, and were carried out at a local level on multiple farms rather than in centralised research stations, to allow for the significant variation in crop performance across different regions.
To facilitate replication of the approach, resources were developed to guide others. These include:
- A booklet to guide multi-actor research on agrobiodiversity, including topics such as the appropriate distribution of work, and case studies from the project.
- A booklet to guide participatory experiments with underutilised crops, including topics such as sourcing seeds, to evaluate the context-specific performance of crops.
- A booklet providing technical information on designs and statistical methods for on-farm plant breeding experiments.
- Factsheets to facilitate the dissemination of knowledge on agrobiodiversity management.
These resources allow for the exploration of crops in the context of specific, local agro-environmental and market challenges and opportunities. Ultimately, the (re)introduction of underutilised crops can provide agroecosystem services and support local, high-quality value chains.
This agri-innovation is valuable for achieving the aims of the Organic National Strategy (2019-2025), which states that organic production should feature a high level of on-farm biodiversity, the preservation of natural resources, and the use of natural substances and processes, as well as Food Vision 2030 which aims for a more diversified and resilient food sector. Diversity and resilience through seed and plant cultivation is an important building block towards these National strategic aims.
Find out more about this innovation by contacting Claire at claire@erinn.eu.
