Brussels Briefing n. 31

Geography of food: reconnecting with origin in the food system

15th May 2013

http://brusselsbriefings.net

Promoting agrobiodiversity: leveraging GI potential in the use of underutilised species

Stefano Padulosi, Bioversity International

Leveraging Geographical Indications potentials to enhance the use of underutilized species Stefano Padulosi, Bioversity International15 June 2013

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Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS)• Nutritional value appreciated by people

• Hardiness, good adaptability, versatility in use

• Rich associated food culture and traditions

• Poor economic competitiveness with commodity crops

• Lack of improved varieties & enhanced cultivation practices

• Drudgery in value addition

• Disorganized or non-existent market chains

• Perception of being “food of the poor”

• Cultivated and utilized relying on Indigenous Knowledge (IK)

• Scarcely represented in ex situ collections

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Nutritional benefits of NUSCase of African leafy vegetables

Per 100 gm

Amaranth(leaf)

Cleome Nightshade Cabbage

Iron mg 8.9 6.0 1.0 0.7

Calcium mg 410 288 442 47

ß carotene ųg 5716 10452 3660 100

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National Geographic 2011Study conducted in 1983 by the Rural Advancement Foundation International gave a clue to the scope of the problem. It compared USDA listings of seed varieties sold by commercial US seed houses in 1903 with those in the US National Seed Storage Laboratory in 1983. The survey, which included 66 crops, found that about 93% of varieties had gone extinct.

GENETIC EROSION

Loss of genetic & cultural diversity

Genetic Erosion

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Improved nutrition,

incomes and other livelihood

benefits from NUS

Holistic NUS Promotion: from Farm-to-Fork

Geneticdiversity

Selectioncultivation

Harvest Value addition

Marketing Finaluse

Rescued diversityMap diversity

IK DocumentationConservation

(ex situ/ in situ)

Better varietiesBest practices

High Quality Seed

Improved technology

Novel food itemsRecipes (old/new)Quality standards

Efficient value chainsCommercialization

Branding Multi-stakeholders

Platforms of Cooperation

Nutrition awareness Enabling Policies

PromotionsEducation

GI

India: empowerment of vulnerable groups through establishment of associations (SHG), skill enhancement and introduction of simple technology

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Bolivia: marrying income generation and better nutrition in one goal

• Joint venture with private sector (Sobre la Roca) led to more attractive food products targeting particularly children

• Outcome: popularization of nutritious food among children and inclusion of amaranth-based food items in school meals (Sucre and Serrano)

• Impact: Estimated income of at least 3 mil Bs /year for amaranth value chain sector in 2010 as a result of amaranth school meal policy in Chuquisaca Department alone.

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Role of GI in promoting underutilized species

GI utilize traditional practices and endemic resources

Argan Oil (Morocco)

– The Argan Tree is endemic to Southwest Morocco

– Prevents desertification and soil erosion – UNESCO declared the Argan forest region

a biosphere site – Positive effects on local economy and

welfare: women cooperatives (13 certified PGI coop, 123 awaiting certification)

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Role of GI in promoting underutilized varieties of major crops

Maiz Blanco Gigante de Cuzco (Peru)

– Ancient variety, which is part of Peruvian cultural patrimony, is grown in the Sacred Valley of the Incas

– The local agriculture and this specific crop were at risk

– Relevant stakeholders considered that the GI scheme was the most effective response available

Lessons and Challenges

GI play significant role in recovery and valorization of Agrobiodiversity/NUSSuccessful recovery of Genetic Resources through GI (management of germplasm involving producers, Governing Body, and regional institutions)Strong link with IK and culture justifies GI protection, contribute to rural developmentIK (seed selection, recipes, food conservation etc) can be used for GI development and protected from biopiracyIncreasing involvement of supermarkets in origin and tradition-based products.

Opportunities Landrace promotion & risks of loss of genetic diversity Economically and geographically small GI & challenge of designing Governing Bodies with low transaction costsVulnerability of small producers in national/export marketsUnclear distribution of benefits along value chain in developing countries Possible exclusion of local and poor people in high-end niche markets Labeling, safety, traceability regulations for small organizations.

Challenges

(Source: J. Larson 2007)

The way forward

Assessment of GI potentials for NUS as livelihood instruments: more studies needed

GI development/implementation: capacity building of different actors needed

Bridging conservation with use: stronger linkages between conservation and marketing agencies (including those involved with GI).

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Enhancing Capacities of NUS among young scientists

www.bioversityinternational.org

Thank you