Gea Galluzzi is an independent specialist on genetic resources, seeds and agricultural biodiversity, based in Italy. Her work combines research, project development, policy analysis and advocacy on the conservation and sustainable use of agricultural biodiversity....
From 8 to 10 July, EC-LLD is at FAO in Rome as the international Global Plan of Action for plant genetic resources is revised. Here is what it is, what has changed, and why our continued engagement matters.
LiveSeeding/FiBL-Europe policy brief (Apr 2024, adj. Sep 2024) on the EU PRM reform: protect OV and OHM, favour adapted DUS/VSCU under organic conditions, avoid mandatory VSCU for vegetables/fruits, ban patents/NGTs, and involve organic stakeholders.
Description of the European Router Database: a free central platform letting suppliers manage organic PRM offers across EU national databases, with translations, APIs (12 live), and practical steps to register at www.seeds4organic.eu.
Practice abstract on SeedLinked: a multilingual, GDPR-compliant web and mobile platform for participatory on-farm variety evaluation, with recommendations for trial management, training and user feedback.
Non-destructive method to assess seed moisture using eRH in an airtight container with a hygrometer; ~30% eRH is optimal, >35% needs more drying. Faster and oil-content independent alternative to oven-drying.
Practice abstract with DIY hot water treatment protocols for sanitizing vegetable seeds: materials, step-by-step procedure, species-specific temps/times, caution for heat-sensitive seeds, and project contact/link.
Analysis of sustainability challenges for community seed banks (India, Kenya, Nepal, South Africa, Uganda) and five strategies to enhance viability: value addition, nature-positive agriculture, genebank partnerships, networking/digitalization, and low-cost seed-quality tech.
DiverSeedPaths (Dec 2024) report on EU seed policy and the PRM marketing reform, analysing impacts on seed diversity and farmers’ rights and offering practical advocacy steps.
A June 2021 protocol defining roles, principles and practical rules to guide collaboration between national genebanks and community seed banks, covering capacity building, seed exchange, Prior Informed Consent and joint activities.
