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EC-LLD / News! n. 3 of 2025
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EDITORIAL
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As we step into the second quarter of 2025, the pace of change around seed policy and agrobiodiversity is accelerating, in Brussels, in villages across Europe, and in the international halls of the FAO. What’s striking is not only the volume of discussions (on seed laws, genomic technologies, access and rights) but the fact that our networks are no longer watching from the sidelines. We are in the room. And our voices are being heard through EC-LLD internal Working Group.
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This issue brings together key updates that reflect both the urgency and opportunity of this moment: the release of the DiverSeedPaths booklet to decode EU legislation, the launch of registrations for the 14th Let’s Liberate Diversity! Forum 2025 in Luxembourg, and our continued engagement in global policy spaces like the FAO Working Group on Plant Genetic Resources.
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But amidst all this, we return to a simple truth: the future of seed diversity is shaped in the everyday. In seed libraries, community fields, farmer networks, and the persistent work of local actors who resist homogenisation. The stories in this edition remind us that political engagement and community work are not separate paths. They are part of the same movement. Whether you're preparing for the LLD Forum, reading new reports, or attending a policy meeting, you're contributing to a larger shift and Let's Liberate Diversity! aims to be an inclusive platform for that change: a shift toward diverse and creative seed systems.
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Let’s keep sowing; the season is right!
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NEWS from Let's Liberate Diversity! Members
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We are excited to announce that registration is now open for the Let’s Liberate Diversity! Forum 2025.
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Join us in Luxembourg from 4 to 6 September 2025 for a three-day gathering dedicated to exploring the future of seed systems, cultivated biodiversity, and food sovereignty in Europe.
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The DiverSeedPaths project is proud to announce the release of its latest publication, "Capacity Building on European Seed Policy and Legislation". This practical and accessible resource is designed to empower farmers, seed savers, policymakers, and civil society organizations by providing a comprehensive understanding of EU seed legislation and its impact on cultivated biodiversity.
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The European Coordination Let’s Liberate Diversity! (ECLLD) participated as an observer in the FAO Working Group on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. The session marks an important step in the revision of the Global Plan of Action (GPA), a critical international framework that guides the conservation and sustainable use of seeds and plant genetic diversity.
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This publication explores the role of European community seedbanks (CSBs) in conserving agrobiodiversity alongside formal ex situ systems. While much research focuses on the Global South, this study examines three European CSBs (Arche Noah, Rete Semi Rurali, ProSpecieRara) and their collaboration with genebanks and formal seed systems.
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NEWS from the communities
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APBREBES has released a compelling new report titled Seeds at Risk, co-published with SWISSAID and international partners, shedding light on the critical role seeds play at the heart of resilient and equitable food systems. The publication unpacks the complex challenges and debates currently shaping seed policy and practice worldwide.
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NGTs – What's at stake in labelling and traceability?
The trilogue on the so-called New Genomic Techniques - NGTs - in plants is about to begin. The EP's position contains important elements that cannot be found in the positions of either the EU Commission or the Council: Labelling and traceability. These elements are crucial for companies that want to produce food that does not contain genetically modified plant components.
The webinar, organised by the Greens and S&D, shed light on the importance of labelling and traceability both from an economic perspective and in terms of consumer interests.
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The 3rd International Agrobiodiversity Congress - Alliance Biodiversity & CIAT will be held in China with the title Agrobiodiversity for People and Planet.
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IFOAM: Seeds are at the heart of our food, our cultures, and our communities. But their future—and the future of the farmers who steward them—is increasingly uncertain. April 23 - on-line
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APBREBES has released a compelling new report titled Seeds at Risk, co-published with SWISSAID and international partners, shedding light on the critical role seeds play at the heart of resilient and equitable food systems.
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1st EU Symposium on Local Food Policy
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Save the date for the 1st EU Symposium "Fostering Cultivated Biodiversity through Local Food Policies". April 29-30, 2025, Granollers (Spain)
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We are delighted to invite you to the Organic Seed Policy Conference in Portugal. Objective: to take stock of organic farming in Portugal and explore ways to boost organic seed and plant breeding.
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An event aimed at discussing innovative breeding strategies for organic and agroecological farming
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The registration for the 14th LLD Forum in Luxemburg is open! Visit our LLD dedicated page for all the info! 4-6th September 2025
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URGENCI is organising the 2025 International Symposium, scheduled for November 2025.
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