Crop Trust

DNA sequences, stored in databases as digital sequence information (DSI), are transforming research and innovation and becoming a key focus in global biodiversity discussions. So, what is DSI, and why does it matter? Find out from Kew Science!

🌾 Did you know there’s a gluten-free crop with more calcium than milk, packed with fiber, and full of health benefits? Plus, it’s delicious! 🍽️ Meet finger millet in the latest Crop Chronicles podcast: https://buff.ly/4fKh7Rf 🎧 #BOLDcwr

The Capacity Building and Coordination Workshop kicked off in Dubai today, organized by the Crop Trust and the International Plant Treaty, with support from the Government of Norway. 🇳🇴 This three-day workshop brings together international genebanks outside the CGIAR system, focusing on: ✅ Engaging effectively in the implementation of Article 15 of the International Treaty. ✅ Making valuable crop collections accessible worldwide through the Multilateral System. ✅ Securing financial and technical support for long-term operations. When we work together, we safeguard the conservation of vital crop collections and open doors to innovations that benefit scientists, breeders, farmers, and communities today and in the future. 🌱✨ Norad - Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, World Vegetable Center, International Olive Council, Pacific Community-SPC, SADC Secretariat, CIFOR-ICRAF, CATIE Oficial, Philippine Coconut Authority, International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) #CropDiversity #FoodSecurity #Innovation #Partnerships #Genebanks

🌍 We had an inspiring visit to the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) in Dubai with #cropdiversity experts from 15 nations involved in the Crop Trust's #BOLDProject. 🙏 Huge thanks to Dr. Charbel Tarraf, Dr. R.K. Singh, Dr. Mohammad Shahid, and Dr. Sumitha Thushar, PhD for sharing their work on developing climate-smart crops for regions battling salinity, water scarcity, and drought. 🌱 Touring their fields and greenhouses, where vital food and fodder crops are tested and developed, showcased the power of genebanks and global collaboration in creating resilient agricultural systems to fight #desertification in the #MENA region and beyond. #BOLDcwr

🌍 Today, I was honored to speak at the Global Food Security Summit in Abu Dhabi alongside visionary leaders from the #UAE and global food security experts. My session, "Navigating the Maze of Global Food Security Challenges," explored the critical role of #cropdiversity in addressing our most pressing challenges. ✨ Highlights: 🌱 Diversity Matters: We too often rely on a narrow range of crops. By embracing crop diversity, we can transform neglected crops into opportunity crops, unlocking their vast potential. 🌾 The Benefits of Crop Diversity: Using crop diversity ticks many developmental boxes. Plant genetic diversity enables us to breed climate-resilient crops that are more resource efficient, less perishable, higher-yielding and more nutritious. 💡 Research and Innovation for 21st Century Agriculture: Diversifying agrifood systems means spreading risks and creating opportunities, laying the foundation for resilient and sustainable food systems worldwide. Join me in supporting genebanks worldwide to ensure a food-secure and sustainable future for all. 🌍🌾

🌍 This week, representatives from 15 national genebanks came together in Dubai for the #BOLDProject workshop, "Reflecting on Achievements and Paving the Way Forward for Genebank Excellence." Organized by the Crop Trust, the workshop unites experts with a shared mission: safeguarding plant genetic resources to secure crop diversity and support the future of food. These #genebanks play a critical role in strengthening the global food system by conserving unique varieties and enabling climate adaptation. The workshop provides a platform to share insights, enhance practices and foster partnerships. #BOLDcwr

Hawtin hopes that becoming a World Food Prize laureate and raising the profile of crop biodiversity will enable him to raise additional funding for seed banks around the world. He has been doing this since he helped set up the Global Crop Diversity Trust in 2004. It now has an endowment of US$317 million, but more is needed to secure the future of our genetic resources for the decades ahead.

We are losing the diversity of crops and their wild relatives at an alarming rate. Genebanks play a vital role in preserving this genetic diversity, enabling scientists to develop new, resilient crops for future generations. Discover more ➡️ https://buff.ly/3I65tzO

🌱 We asked scientists at CGIAR genebanks what they love most about their work. 🎥 Watch to hear about their passion for plant diversity, education, tackling hunger and much more. CGIAR centers run 11 genebanks around the world. They conserve and make available more than 700,000 accessions of 3,000 plant species. These unique crop collections offer solutions to farmers, breeders and researchers working to feed people in a changing climate. The video features staff from Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT , International Potato Center (CIP) and AfricaRice. Crop Trust International Plant Treaty

🌱 This month, we honor Dr. Ehsan Dulloo, a dedicated guardian of plant genetic resources from Mauritius, as one of the Crop Trust's #SeedHeroes! 🎉 With over 40 years of expertise, Dr. Dulloo has been instrumental in shaping global genebank standards, seed handling practices, and biodiversity conservation strategies, creating a lasting impact in Africa and beyond. 🌍🌿 Discover his inspiring journey: https://buff.ly/492lLY2 Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, CGIAR, CATIE Oficial, International Plant Treaty