Factsheet - Local perennial plant genetic resources in view of climate change and biodiversity loss
- Innovation, knowledge exchange & EIP-AGRI
- Agricultural Production
- Climate and Climate Change
- Fostering Knowledge & Innovation
This factsheet presents at a glance the main outcomes of the EU CAP Network Focus Group 'Local perennial plant genetic resources in view of climate change and biodiversity loss'.
- Programming period: 2023-2027
- Cross-cutting impacts
How can the conservation and use of local under-utilised varieties of perennial crops be attractive and profitable for farmers and thereby contribute to biodiversity-friendly, sustainable farming under climate change?
Local perennial plant genetic resources (PGRs) are a valuable but underused asset in farming. They are well adapted to specific environments and offer traits that improve resilience to climate stress, reduce input needs, and enhance biodiversity. The EU CAP Network Focus Group 'Local perennial plant genetic resources in view of climate change and biodiversity loss' explored how these varieties can be better conserved and used in practice, contributing to viable farm businesses and agroecological goals.
The key findings of the Focus Group on local perennial plant genetic resources are:
- local and under-utilised perennial varieties (e.g. olives, nuts, grapes, herbs) support climate adaptation thanks to traits such as drought resistance and long-term productivity.
- their low-input nature makes them ideal for organic and agroecological farming systems.
- farmers can benefit from their unique market potential: traditional varieties often offer superior taste and cultural value, ideal for short supply chains and local branding.
- conservation must be combined with active use: on-farm maintenance, propagation, and participatory breeding are essential to keeping varieties alive.
- farmers need support services: identification tools, phytosanitary protocols, propagation support, and advisory networks.
This factsheet also offers an overview of key challenges, ideas for setting up new EIP-AGRI Operational Groups, and research needs from practice that have been identified by the Focus Group experts.
Some examples of research needs include:
- improving germplasm propagation, sanitation & transfer.
- identifying socio-economic factors in the maintenance of traditional germplasms.
Examples of ideas for Operational Groups include:
- establishing new orchards and valorising existing ones with a participatory approach.
- testing and implementing small farmers' market access.
- developing new products from old varieties.
- implementing farmer-led demonstration farms: created by farmers for farmers.
Author(s)
EU CAP Network