Agricultural Biodiversity Weblog

November 9, 2010

Biofortification conference on the internet

The First Global Conference on Biofortification is off and running in Washington, DC. You can follow proceedings on the blog and on Twitter. Not enough? There’s Facebook too.

November 9, 2010November 9, 2010

Tools for non-fools

We often prattle blithely about how exciting this and that might be if only we could gather the data by getting people to do this or that with their mobile phones. Of course, neither of us has any idea what that might entail in real life. Nor do we intend to find out. You, however, may be different, and crying out for the right tools to do the job. Here, then, thanks to a work colleague, are two important documents. An introduction to collecting data from mobile phones, and the associated matrix comparing different tools.

So off you go. And let us know how you get on.

November 5, 2010November 5, 2010

Yes, Nagoya backs ITPGRFA, kinda sorta

The Q&A on the Nagoya Protocol with UNEP expert Balakrishna Pisupati has only elicited three questions so far, but at least Dr Pisupati seems to agree with Bioversity’s Michael Halewood on what the Protocol means for the ITPGRFA:

This agreement is to be read in support of the ITPGRFA. Parties to the CBD had long discussions on the relationship between this Protocol and the ITPGRFA and came to the conclusion that it will not run counter to the objectives or scope of the ITPGRFA and will be complimenting the provisions under the ITPGRFA.

Phew!

November 5, 2010

Kebab and apple strudel

A speaker at the International Scientific Symposium Biodiversity and Sustainable Diets alerted me to the existence of the EuroFIR (European Food Information Resource) project.

EuroFIR aims to provide the first comprehensive pan-European food information resource, using state-of-the-art database linking, to allow effective management, updating, extending and comparability.

Sounds pretty dry, but the stuff on traditional and ethnic foods is actually rather fun.

November 4, 2010November 4, 2010

To biotech or not to biotech, that is the question

This house believes that biotechnology and sustainable agriculture are complementary, not contradictory.

That’s the contention being debated at The Economist until 12 November. Why not join in? Apart from being sick to death of the whole topic, I mean.

Fresh Nibbles

Why the modern food system prizes uniformity even though resilience depends on diversity. Spoiler alert: follow the money.
Historic crop varieties are finding renewed relevance as farmers contend with more volatile weather, emerging pests and changing markets. Let’s hope there’s money to conserve them.
India’s traditional wheat varieties contain diversity that could help breeders develop crops better able to withstand heat and drought. Let’s hope there’s money to conserve them.
India announces significant progress in conserving its wild rice genetic resources. Great that there was money to conserve them.
Community seed banks across Kenya are calling for formal recognition and sustained support, arguing that locally managed collections strengthen seed sovereignty, preserve traditional varieties and help farming communities adapt to climate change. Yes, but are they enough without national genebanks?
Researchers are racing to conserve wild coffee species whose genetic diversity may provide the resistance and resilience needed to secure tomorrow’s morning cup. Is the industry contributing, though ?
New history of the macadamia traces its remarkable journey from Australia’s native forests to a global crop, while underscoring why conserving the remaining wild populations is essential for the crop’s long-term future.
Researchers at the University of the South Pacific investigate how taro can withstand climate change, combining research with conservation to help protect one of the region’s most culturally and nutritionally important staple crops.
Chester Zoo collects seeds from highly threatened cacti, because why not?

Published on July 14, 2026