Which are the different players and networks involved in in situ and on farm conservation? To answer this question, the University of Liège analyzed different case studies across Europe and the USA.

In these videos, some of the selected case studies are presented through the voices and experiences of their protagonists. Find out more!

Video credits: Corentin Hecquet & Stéphanie Klaedtke (University of Liège)

European Coordination Let’s Liberate Diversity (ECLLD)

Getting different EU networks of seed savers and practitioners to work together and find ways to discuss the way forward to enhance the impact of agrobiodiversity in Europe is a great and fascinating challenge. In this video, some of the protagonists of the European Coordination Let’s Liberate Diversity discuss in a very honest and open way their approach, efforts, and goals in bringing together different people from very diverse backgrounds, political expertise, and experiences, local and national stories into a well-connected network that has to work and grow respecting many different points of view and yet building common ground and goals.

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Seed Savers Exchange (USA)

Seed Savers Exchange is an association created in 1975 which aims at conserving rare, heirloom and open-pollinated varieties in the USA. Seed Savers Exchange also offers training courses to gardeners and has been involved in setting up a “Seed community network”. Seed Savers Exchange also sells seeds through a catalog in its shop and online. The association has a farm called “Heritage Farm”, an 890-acre farm. They multiply 1000 varieties annually. This space welcomes between 12,000 and 14,000 visitors each year.

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Cross-border Network of Fruit Genetic Resources (Belgium/France)

The Wallon Agricultural Research Center (CRA-W) in Belgium and the Regional Centre for Genetic Resources (CRRG) in France are research institutes working together on the management of genetic resources since 1975. From their long-term collaboration was born a network that also involves producers and amateurs.

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Pétanielle (France)

Pétanielle is a French association located around Toulouse that brings together gardeners and farmers around heritage and farmers’ wheat cultivars. Its origin dates back to 2009. Following a symposium on GMOs and biodiversity, gardeners and farmers meet in an informal network. Their common desire is to promote conservation and develop bread-making cereals. In 2011 this network became formalized and became Pétanielle. Currently, the association has about 150 gardeners and 30 farmers. Together, they manage a collection of 80-90 varieties of wheat.

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SAVE Foundation

The Safeguard for Agricultural Varieties in Europe – SAVE foundation was founded in 1993. Its objective is to maintain the existing diversity of both animal breeds and cultivated varieties.

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European seed initiatives. Learning about dynamic seed management networks

Presentation of the diversity of the structuring of cultivated biodiversity organizations with regard to four European initiatives.

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