Those who cannot remember the past of NUS…

The European Commission has waded into the whole opportunity crops thing with its “Neglected and Underutilised Species (NUS): Potential for Food and Nutrition Security – a Knowledge Review.”

Only, as you can see, it’s not calling them opportunity crops, but rather opting to go retro with NUS, though there is a nice round-up of the diversity of the terminology:

There are different names in the literature related to neglected and underutilised species (NUS). Although they have a slightly different focus, they are often used interchangeably: indigenous and traditional food crops, orphan crops, forgotten foods/crops, minor crops, under-used/under-exploited crops, under-developed crops, promising crops, lost crops, alternative crops/food, traditional food crops, niche crops, future smart food, opportunity crops. In the humanitarian context, especially regarding the formulation of Ready to use therapeutic or supplement food (RUTF/RUSF), the term NUS is rarely used, while literature mainly refers to local crops.

There are also useful discussions of the drivers of neglect and underuse, and of the different benefits of NUS cultivation and consumption. The list of international initiatives is not comprehensive, but a good start. And genebanks get a name check…

To conserve and valorise genetic resources it is essential that NUS seeds are conserved in-situ (community seed banks) and ex-situ (gene banks). Additionally, genetic conservation measures should be designed, that also address the risk of over-exploitation when using wild plants. This requires a multifaceted approach, including local taxonomic research to better understand the species in question and a deeper insights on the genomes of ALV1. Further, detailed characterizations and assessments of NUS related to their benefits for resilience to climate change, cultural richness and sustainable livelihoods is needed.

Furthermore, it is important to intensify breeding programmes, develop adequate seed systems and measures for continuous quality seed production and distribution; and strengthen and upgrade smallholder seed systems. To promote sustainable use, it is recommended to engage farmers and grassroots movements in all domestication efforts. Furthermore, research should also focus on resilience to pests and diseases, modernising production methods, and addressing post-harvest inefficiencies.

…so what’s not to like?

Well, what I missed was some sort of indication that this is not exactly the first time we’ve been through this. Everything is thoroughly backed up with references (I’ve removed the citations from the excerpts above for clarity, but they’re there in the PDF). However, none of the publications listed is older than 2019. I hope we don’t repeat history. We had an International Centre for Underutilized Crops there for a while, after all. You all remember that, right?

Brainfood: Breeding edition

‘Cima di cola’ reaches a milestone, apparently

So it seems the first vegetable variety from Puglia has been added to Italy’s Registro nazionale delle varietà da conservazione, or National Register of Conservation Varieties.

The ‘Cima di cola’, a cauliflower variety historically linked to the agricultural tradition of Bari, received official recognition by Ministerial Decree of 9 September 2025, published in the Official Gazette No. 216 of 17 September 2025, which will allow its conservation and promotion also at the commercial level.

I know this because of a post on Facebook from an outfit called Biodiversità delle specie orticole della Puglia (BiodiverSO), translated above. Which unfortunately doesn’t include a link, but does provide this screenshot of Italy’s Official Gazette to prove its point.

Here’s more from the BiodiverSO post.

The inclusion of the ‘Cima di cola’ among conservation varieties is not only an institutional achievement, but also an act of recognition toward those who have preserved its seeds and traditions over the years; a milestone that opens new opportunities for scientific, educational, and gastronomic promotion, which we look forward to sharing with you.

Doubtless.

Which is why I was pretty disappointed to find that the Registro nazionale delle varietà di specie agrarie ed ortive is not actually up to date, so doesn’t yet include ‘Cima di cola’.

Quite apart from not being exactly easy to find. And there was also nothing in the relevant news section, which is actually on a different website, but nevermind.

Anyway, there are 135 “Varietà da Conservazione” registered therein. It’s unclear how to obtain seeds.

LATER: Thanks to Filippo Guzzon for advising me that ‘Cima di cola’ is indeed on the list. I was looking for it under the wrong crop name :(

A concerted effort to conserve edible plants kicks off

Do you remember a Nibble from a few days back on how wild food ingredients are making their way into school meals in India? You may have wondered at the time if there was some kind of global initiative to conserve such wild edible plants. Because they can fall between the two stools2 of crop genebanks on one side and botanical gardens on the other.

Well, there wasn’t then, but there is now. Say hello the Global Conservation Consortium for Food Plants. Just launched, with the NY Botanical Garden hosting the secretariat.

Good news from the genebank world?

As you may have noticed, I’ve been on a mission lately to document in Brainfood the progress that genebanks are making. Because I needed some good vibes, you know? So last week there was a post on how the “software” of genebanks — that is, how they function and are managed — is being upgraded. The week before there was a round-up of core collections, one of the main things genebanks do to get their contents used more, showing that this oldish technology is still up and running, and even occasionally making a difference. And then this week I did a Brainfood on the new “hardware” some genebanks are using — or could be using. Meaning cool modern tools of different kinds to help out at difference stages of the conservation-to-use workflow. But I’m sure I missed some things. Surely I missed some things? Let me know in the comments. Please. For the vibes, you understand.