Open seed conservation project

The INCREASE Horizon 2020 project proposes a new approach to promote the conservation and use of plant genetic resources. ‘Participatory science’ is placed at the middle of the project, involving stakeholders and citizens in the development of a new model and strategy for the conservation and use of seeds. The direct involvement of people on the ground is crucial to promote access to genetic resources and multiply their potential in agri-food systems. Through an app called “INCREASE CSA”, anyone with a field, garden, balcony or terrace can participate in collecting data for the experiment. 8000 people from across Europe have already joined the project.

The app is used for registration to participate in the experiment, sending information on the common bean plant that people are growing at home, recording data, e.g. about flowering time, seed size etc., taking pictures to document plant traits such as flower, seed and pod colours and shapes, plant growth habit, shapes of leaves and even of the food prepared with the harvest…

Registrations for this year’s growing season have closed, you can follow the projects activities in spring and summer, and then get involved with the next round which will be launched at the end of 2023.

· More information on the app

· Project website: https://www.pulsesincrease.eu/

· Twitter: @pulses_increase