The Global Alliance for the Future of Food (GA) released a report, titled "Seeds of Resilience: A Compendium of Perspectives on Agricultural Biodiversity from Around the World." Led by the GA’s Agroecological Transitions Working Group (ATWG), the publication focuses on the role seeds and seed diversity can play in sustainable agriculture, food security, and nutrition. Lauren Baker, Consultant on Strategic Initiatives and Programs at the GA, told Food Tank that the organization “believes that seeds are the foundation of sustainable, equitable, and secure food systems and that maintaining and enhancing agricultural biodiversity is critical in light of global challenges such as climate change, and food and nutrition security.”
Agricultural biodiversity experts Emile Frison, a member of the International Panel of Experts of Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food), and Toby Hodgkin from Bioversity International author the opportunities section of the report, which outlines the value of seed diversity, discusses challenges to preservation, and proposes action steps. The report also includes a series of commentaries from experts around the globe about community-based seed systems, the role of women and indigenous farmers, and farmer involvement in policymaking. This diversity of voices, Baker said, reflects efforts to “create a matrix of recommendations from the local to the global, and across issues that impact agricultural biodiversity.”
The report points to a shift in consumer conscience about food and where it comes from—a change that presents opportunities for building alliances between foundations, donors, farmers, and policymakers. The report highlights communities and organizations working to maintain sustainable, resilient agricultural networks through preserving seed diversity and establishing new kinds of partnerships. These efforts could offer opportunities to improve resources and share knowledge through breaking down boundaries between formal and informal seed sectors, and between public and private institutions. “Robust seed systems,” the report emphasizes, “are central to sustainable food systems that are renewable, resilient, equitable, diverse, healthy, and interconnected.”
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