Crop Trust’s Post

Melinda Smale's research on the economic value of crop diversity shaped agricultural policies worldwide and inspired a generation of young scientists. Discover more about the influential American agricultural economist in the new part of our #SeedHeroes series: https://buff.ly/3T90iG8 Michigan State University, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT

Do we need a Seed Vault on the Moon? "The systems we put in place today, the lessons we learn, and the seeds we safeguard are an invaluable resource as humanity looks towards the Moon and the stars." Our Executive Director Stefan S. says that collaboration, cooperation and conservation here on Earth ensure that humans can reach for the Moon and beyond. https://lnkd.in/g9HPWJE5

National genebanks prioritize safeguarding #cropdiversity crucial for local needs. The Seeds for Resilience project offers financial and technical aid to genebanks across Sub-Saharan Africa to support these efforts. #Seeds4Africa

Crop wild relatives could hold the key to adapting #wheat - the world's most widely grown crop - to climate challenges. Two new studies led by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) highlight the potential of ancient genetic diversity to transform wheat breeding and protect global #foodsecurity. With nearly 800,000 wheat seed samples in 155 genebanks, including wild relatives and ancient varieties, this vast genetic resource has already shown significant benefits in modern breeding. #BOLDcwr Benjamin Kilian, Susanne Dreisigacker, Viktor M. Kommerell

We're #hiring! The Crop Trust seeks an experienced consultant or firm to review its business processes. The goal is to streamline operations while maintaining robust business practices and donor compliance requirements. Find out more & apply: https://buff.ly/3ue68d0

Why are #genebanks essential? The loss of #cropdiversity affects not just farmers 🚜 but the entire global #FoodSystems. Genebanks enable scientists to develop resilient, safeguarding them for future generations. Discover more ➡️ https://buff.ly/3RYsHvv

From a young age, I've been passionate about the land and plants, thanks to my grandfather. For my thesis, I'm working on #amaranth - a crop rich in vitamins and minerals. I'm characterizing seed samples stored for 30 years at Ecuador's national genebank. Once done, I'll provide fresh seeds to the National Institute of Agricultural Research INIAP Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, leaving a legacy at my university. My goal is to show that dreams are achievable. 🌱✨" - Geraldine Elizabeth Escobar Cevallos, a 22-year-old student at Universidad Técnica del Norte, is supporting amaranth regeneration for Ecuador's Sierra farming communities. #BOLDcwr #ecuador #agriculture #cropdiversity

Cassy Polimeni is an Australian children's author interested in environmental issues. Her debut picture book, The Garden at the End of the World, illustrated by Briony Stewart, explores seed conservation, introduces the Svalbard Global Seed Vault and conveys a hopeful message about future food security. Find out more: https://buff.ly/4cC6Wfc

Kauke, the first alfalfa variety for rainfed environments, marks a new chapter in crop self-sufficiency for farmers in Chile. A new variety is released after nearly a decade of collaboration between INIA Chile, Department of Primary Industries and Regions PIRSA-SARDI Australia, INTA Argentina, and the Crop Trust. Kauke's success story underlines the crucial role that #cropdiversity plays in sustainable agriculture and food security. Read more: https://buff.ly/4cILmFz #BOLDcwr