New framework to promote resilient seed systems and galvanise action on agricultural biodiversity
Benefits of resilient seed systems go beyond economic measure, supporting diverse cultural and culinary traditions, health and well-being, food sovereignty, agroecological landscapes, sustainable local economies, and more.
Earlier this year the Global Alliance for the Future of Food launched a strategic guide for diverse stakeholders to take a holistic, collaborative approach to protecting and enhancing the world’s seed systems. Building on momentum around the “Super Year for Nature,” the Shared Action Framework (SAF) for Resilient Seed Systems is designed to help galvanise action on agricultural biodiversity.
Biodiversity in seed systems is directly connected to withstanding changing weather patterns, improving global nutrition and dietary health, upholding cultural and culinary diversity, and maintaining local economies and strengthening markets.
Yet, 1 in 5 of the world’s plant species is at risk of extinction and hundreds of thousands of farmers’ plant varieties have been substituted by a small number of modern, highly uniform commercial varieties, leading to mass genetic erosion. With significant consequences for the future of food, the protection and cultivation of resilient seed systems are inextricably linked to the Sustainable Development Goals, the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Paris Climate Agreement, and the New Urban Agenda.
The actions of a diverse group of players is needed to strengthen farmer-managed and community-based seed systems and to promote innovation and markets that regenerate rather than erode agricultural biodiversity. Guided by a set of common principles and priorities, the Shared Action Framework is therefore designed to increase dialogue and collaboration among farmer associations, Indigenous Peoples groups, civil society organisations, research institutions, policymakers, the private sector, and donors – helping to accelerate much-needed food systems transformation.
Lauren Baker, Director of Programs at the Global Alliance for the Future of Food, said, “If we are to meet the biodiversity goals set for 2030 and beyond, resilient seed systems must be on the agenda. In this critical year for nature, we need a paradigm shift in our approach to food systems. Seeds are at the heart of the future of food and a place where we can make an immediate and meaningful impact. The priorities set out in this Shared Action Framework will serve to conserve and enhance the extraordinary diversity of seed systems we rely on today and to address the critical food, biodiversity and climate challenges we all face.”
The authors celebrate the rich systems of knowledge held by Indigenous Peoples, especially their ecological and cultural stewardship that protects agricultural biodiversity. They also acknowledge how fundamental resilient seed systems are to the everyday practices of small-scale farmers that feed 70 per cent of the world’s population.
Daniel Wanjama, Director of the social enterprise Seed Savers Network, commented, “While documenting Indigenous knowledge and local varieties in Kenya, I met many small farmers who told me that they trust their own food and seed systems because they have been resilient in times of drought, disease and in the face of pests – like the locusts which are causing destruction now. They also told me that within just 20 years, they have seen more than 30 varieties go out of cultivation. The continued loss of local seed varieties is a threat to our food systems and our own survival as a community. Being a participant in the development of the Shared Action Framework for Resilient Seed Systems has given me hope that our sustainable food system agenda and grassroots work with seeds will get more attention and support, and I’m delighted to see it launch today.”
Mobilising key stakeholders in philanthropy, farmer and civil society organisations, policy and research institutions, the private sector, donor agencies, and more, the Shared Action Framework provides guidance to users on:
- Policy and Advocacy;
- Research and Education;
- Platforms and Alliances;
- Communications; and
- Finance
A special compendium, written by Emile Frison and Toby Hodgkin, launched at the outset of this initiative, outlines the critical need to enhance agricultural biodiversity, showcases examples from the field, and sets out recommendations – still valid today – about how to better strengthen and protect community-based and farmer-managed seeds systems.
The development of the Shared Action Framework involved 93 people from around the world – farmers, Indigenous Peoples, policymakers, the private sector, researchers, donors, as well as diverse organisations and institutions – who met in Oaxaca, Mexico, a globally important centre of origin for corn and other crops – to develop shared priorities to address threats to agricultural biodiversity.
Issues and challenges for resilient seed systems
At this moment, more than ever, there is a need for resilience in the context of climate change, and a need to transition to agroecological food systems and healthy, diverse, and culturally appropriate diets. Rapidly declining agricultural biodiversity means that, as a global community, it is imperative that we take concrete steps to create change and amplify the important benefits of resilient seed systems. Access to quality, locally adapted seed varieties, and the genetic diversity that contributes to pest and disease resistance, will be central in the face of climate change. The economic benefits related to seed exchange and sale and the diverse businesses that support seed systems need to be strengthened and supported to improve local livelihoods. Food and nutrition security, and sustainable, culturally appropriate diets, as well as strengthened social, cultural, and culinary traditions are key to improving health outcomes globally.
Complex challenges related to seed systems and agricultural biodiversity were identified and discussed by participants, such as the need for seed legislation and policy that does not hinder resilient seed systems. Farmers’ Rights and recognising the role farmers and communities play to conserve local varieties were key themes. The complementarity and interrelationship between ex-situ/in-situ, formal and informal seed systems were noted, as was the need to move beyond false binaries to recognize “trans-situ” linkages. Challenges related to Intellectual Property Rights were discussed, as well as potential for alternative approaches, such as open source seed systems. The need for innovation, science and research in support of resilient seed systems surfaced as a key priority; in particular, science, research and innovation that includes farmers and communities as partners and collaborators. It was also acknowledged that power is a central issue related to resilient seed systems – biopower and the encroachment of state, science, and industry, as well as power issues related to colonial legacies and intersectional inequality.
Emerging opportunities to strengthen seed systems
Although the full set of opportunities and ideas emerging from the Oaxaca discussion are in the process of being compiled, five opportunities were identified and discussed by the participants.
- New ways of thinking: Participants challenged each other to move beyond the dichotomies inherent in seed systems – in-situ, ex-situ, formal and informal – and recognise the complementarity between these systems. Resilient seed systems are embedded in socio-ecological, political and biocultural systems and need to be approached through a systems perspective.
- Strengthen local, regional and farmer-managed seed systems: Participants suggested increasing support for seed guardians, farmer-to-farmer exchanges, and community seed banks. The importance of seed companies and their role in resilient local seed systems was emphasised.
- Connecting resilient seed systems with the global policy agenda: There is increasing awareness about the importance of seed systems and the need to strengthen, protect, and improve these systems at all scales (local to international). Resilient seed systems are directly connected to a number of global policy priorities, including the Sustainable Development Goals, the Convention of Biological Diversity, the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, the Paris Climate Agreement, Farmers’ Rights, Indigenous People’s Rights, and the New Urban Agenda. It is important to support the participation of farmers in meetings where global agreements are being negotiated, and that farmers’ voices are heard at the global level.
- Advocating for favourable policies and legislation: Advocating for policies that enable resilient seed systems, and mobilising against policies that restrict farmer seed systems was emphasised as a priority. This is perhaps the most contentious issue, with areas of disagreement between participants related to Intellectual Property Rights and new technologies.
- Facilitating multi-actor collaboration: Participants proposed platforms across scales – local, regional, and global – as fora to exchange critical information going forward about climate change, agroecology, food sovereignty, best practices, and tools. The need for changing the narrative, amplifying positive experiences, telling stories, convening diverse actors, and influencing decision-makers was stressed.
