Projet DIVERSIFOOD
This brochure (Brochure #4) from the DIVERSIFOOD project presents policy-oriented recommendations to promote an enabling environment for collective management of cultivated biodiversity in Europe. It argues for a paradigm shift from viewing genetic resources primarily as conservation objects toward integrated, on-farm use that combines conservation, participatory breeding and decentralized seed innovation. Key messages include recognising and supporting collective/community seed systems (e.g. Community Seed Banks and Farmers’ Seed Houses), fostering multi-actor local seed systems rather than a strict formal/informal divide, institutionalising dialogue among stakeholders, creating national platforms for negotiation, and harmonising national laws to facilitate sustainable use of plant genetic resources. The brochure highlights the need for legal flexibilities, funding, technical support and improved communication between civil-society actors, research institutes and public authorities to embed agrobiodiversity in agricultural policy and practice.
Key topics: collective management, community seed banks, seed policy, agrobiodiversity, national seed laws, participatory breeding, farmers’ seed houses
