DIVERSIFOOD project
This report, coordinated and published by the Red Andaluza de Semillas “Cultivando Biodiversidad” as part of the DIVERSIFOOD project, presents a characterization of community seed banks (BSC) in Spain. Based on a survey carried out between May 2016 and July 2017, 30 initiatives across 15 autonomous communities were analysed. The study describes origins, organisational forms, activities, infrastructure, funding, governance, values and main challenges of BSC. Key findings show most initiatives emerged after 2005, are driven primarily by farmers (professional and amateur) with strong voluntary involvement, and are frequently linked to regional or national seed networks. Typical activities include seed multiplication, storage, characterization, evaluation and training; material is mainly local/campesina varieties and maize is widely represented. Many BSC operate with very limited financial and technical resources, modest infrastructure and rely on member contributions, public grants and own income. Reported obstacles include scarce funding, lack of human resources and a restrictive legal environment; strengths include community mobilisation, education and conservation work. The report recommends strengthening BSC capacities through improved funding, infrastructure, technical support, partnerships with research and formal recognition in relevant public policies and programmes.
Key topics: community seed banks, local varieties, agrobiodiversity, seed exchange, seed sovereignty, seed conservation, governance
