In the heart of Europe, a quiet revolution is taking place, one seed at a time. Community seedbanks, often overlooked in the shadow of industrial agriculture, are proving to be a vital cog in the wheel of agricultural biodiversity. A recent study published in Genetic Resources, led by Riccardo Bocci of Rete Semi Rurali ETS in Scandicci, Italy, sheds light on the crucial role these community seedbanks (CSBs) play in preserving and promoting agrobiodiversity.
For over four decades, CSBs have been springing up worldwide, driven by a desire to counteract the loss of locally adapted crop varieties. While much of the focus has been on the Global South, Bocci’s research turns the spotlight on Europe, offering a comprehensive analysis of the impact and role of CSBs in industrialized countries.
The study delves into the experiences of three European organizations: Pro Specie Rara in Switzerland, Arche Noah in Austria, and Bocci’s own Rete Semi Rurali in Italy. Each of these organizations exemplifies the diversity and resilience of European CSBs, showcasing their efforts to engage with genebanks and the formal seed system.
So, what makes these community seedbanks so important? At their core, CSBs are about more than just preserving seeds. They are about preserving knowledge, culture, and community. They are about empowering farmers and gardeners to take control of their seed systems, to adapt to changing climates, and to innovate in the face of uncertainty. “Community seedbanks are not just about conservation,” Bocci explains. “They are about creating a more resilient and sustainable food system.”
The implications of this research are far-reaching, particularly for the energy sector. As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, the need for resilient and diverse crop varieties has never been greater. CSBs, with their focus on locally adapted varieties and participatory plant breeding, could play a crucial role in developing crops that can withstand the challenges of a changing climate. This, in turn, could help to ensure a stable supply of biomass for the energy sector, a vital component of the transition to renewable energy.
Moreover, the study highlights the potential for CSBs to bridge the gap between the formal and informal seed systems. By engaging with genebanks and the formal seed system, CSBs can help to ensure that the wealth of genetic diversity they preserve is not just locked away in vaults, but is actively used to improve crop varieties and adapt to new challenges.
The research also underscores the importance of supporting and investing in CSBs. As Bocci notes, “Community seedbanks are often underfunded and underappreciated. But they are a vital part of our agricultural heritage and a key to our future food security.” By investing in CSBs, we can help to ensure that they continue to play a crucial role in preserving and promoting agrobiodiversity, and in creating a more resilient and sustainable food system.
As we look to the future, the role of community seedbanks in Europe is set to become even more important. With climate change, urbanization, and other challenges on the horizon, the need for resilient and diverse crop varieties will only grow. CSBs, with their focus on local adaptation and community engagement, are uniquely positioned to meet this need. By supporting and investing in CSBs, we can help to ensure that Europe’s agricultural future is one of diversity, resilience, and sustainability. The study, published in Genetic Resources, is a call to action, a reminder of the vital role that community seedbanks play in our food system, and a beacon of hope for a more sustainable future.