EIP-AGRI Focus Group 4: Genetic Resources Cooperation Models Report of the second meeting 1-2 July 2014 Schwäbisch Hall, Germany

Transcription

1 EIP-AGRI Focus Group 4: Genetic Resources Cooperation Models Report of the second meeting 1-2 July 2014 Schwäbisch Hall, Germany DAY 1 Introduction The second meeting of the Focus Group (FG) meeting on genetic resources was held in Schwäbisch Hall, Germany from 1-2 July Annex 1 gives the list of FG experts attending the meeting and Annex 2 gives the agenda of the meeting. DG AGRI welcomed the experts of the Focus Group and thanked Mr Rudolf Bühler for the local organisation of the meeting. The meeting started with an introductory lecture given by Mr Bühler. Mr. Bühler is a farmer who runs a very successful pig industry in Schwäbisch Hall and has been the founder of a society called Bäuerliche Erzeugergemeinschaft Schwäbisch Hall (BESH). He is also an expert of the Focus Group on Genetic Resources, as a representative of farming community. In his speech, Mr. Bühler talked about his experience in rescuing an almost extinct local breed of pig, the Schwäbisch-Hallisches Landschwein breed, and transforming it into a very successful business entreprise, with an annual turnover of 72 million Euros. This breed, which originally came from China as saddleback pigs, evolved into a local breed through crossing with local pigs breed since 1830 in the area around the town of Schwäbisch Hall. It is a prolific breed and very popular among the gourmet chef because of its natural layer of fat and firm meat. It was also suitable for as grazing animal and for outdoor production. However, the introduction of fast growing lean pigs quickly displaced the Schwäbisch-Hallisches Landschwein breed and by 1980s the breed was almost extinct. There were only three surviving local pig breeds (out of ten) in the whole of Germany. Recognizing its value, Mr Bühler salvaged remaining pigs of the Schwäbisch-Hallisches Landschwein breed and encouraged local farmers to breed the pure breed line. He created the Schwäbisch-Hallisches Landschwein Pig- Breeders Association to increase its production and, to ensure quality of the marketing of the meat; he also established the BESH society in 1988 and developed their own slaughterhouse and meat processing plant. Mr Bühler explained that it was important for the farmers to have their own supply chain to better promote local breeds. The farmers society took care of the value chain from farm to fork and developed their own business model, encouraging farmers to join and guaranteeing them a better price for their products (at least 100 profit per pig). The products received a geographical origin recognition label since Mr Bühler said that the vertical integrated business approach and its marketing programme formed the economic basis for the preservation of the breed. Farmers had to voluntarily invest for first 5 years in the business before they are becoming financially independent. 1

2 The society s situation today is the result of 30 years of work. They have developed their own market with 7 outlets shops and also provide hotels and restaurants with their products. The outdoor rearing of the pigs is a concept that was introduced to Germany from Spain and brings in a premium price. However, there may be concerns relating to sanitary factors but with good management this has not proved to be a problem. Field visit The FG experts visited the farm of Mr Bühler where pure-bred Schwäbisch-Hallisches Landschwein pigs are free ranging in open field and are managed organically, with no medicines, antibiotics or growth promoters given to them. In other farms they also keep a cross-breed. In his introduction, Mr Bühler said that the members of the BESH society are small-medium family farms (40-50 Ha), typical of the south of Germany and they tend to keep about 15 pigs per hectare in order to keep the field green, as agreed with local authorities. The pigs of the farms have access to supplementary food (acorns of oak trees). BESH runs an educational project with schools and nurseries for collecting acorns: people can bring in acorns that they have collected and for every kilo they provide, they receive vouchers to spend in the society outlets. Experts then visited one of the BESH outlet stores where their products are sold to the public. After visiting the store, experts watched a short video on the BESH business enterprise which was followed by some discussion. Mr Bühler said that BESH have extended their enterprise to other products and activities including: Production of electricity via solar panels on the shelters for the pigs. The electricity is sold at BESH electric car charging station Production of spices: stemming from the idea of producing a local type of spice which is indigenous to the region, BESH also produces spices (coriander, mustard etc.) which are grown on their fields and used in their own products.. Processing and marketing: The meat is processed and directly sold in their 7 shops in the area (4 nearby, 3 in Stuttgart); the meat is sold to butchers and restaurants in the area e-commerce via a dedicated BESH website shop Work with schools. In their business model and in order to maintain their quality standards without any interference, BESH refuse to collaborate with supermarkets.. However, this is also facilitated by the fact that the area is not so attractive to big chains. 2

3 Discussion of mini-papers DG AGRI thanked the FG experts for their excellent contribution to the mini-papers, which were identified during the first meeting and recalled (as it was expressed during the 3 rd meeting of the EIP High Level Steering Board) that the Focus Group reports reflect the opinion of twenty experts on a determined topic and has not to be considered as representative of the entire Europe. The experts were also invited to pay particular attention to innovation/innovative approaches in their discussions and reporting. The key-expert gave an overview of the preparation of the eleven mini-papers produced by the experts. Annex 3 gives a list of the mini-papers and their authors. The purpose of the mini-papers is to serve as the starting point for group discussion around the cooperation models of the themes identified during the 1 st meeting of the Focus Group. Each mini-paper has a common template with an introduction to the theme followed by application of cooperation model. It discusses the challenges and constraints in cooperation models and the (research) needs of the thematic area. During the meeting, the lead authors presented their mini-papers following which discussions were held among the experts to provide additional inputs and reach consensus. Authors were then requested to revise and finalise their mini-papers according to the discussion and submit them to the key expert. Hereunder is a summary of each mini-paper and discussion points raised: Information on genebank accession This mini-paper underlines the importance of proper documentation of genebank accessions to allow for an effective and efficient use of germplasm. It discusses three types of information which are critical for the users (passport, characterization and evaluation) and provides management information. Germplasm use can best be promoted if accessions are properly characterized and evaluated and harmonized and exhaustive information is made available to breeders and other users. Cooperation models requiring different expertise have been described in order to tackle needs such as the development of descriptors and of methodologies for data analysis and dissemination, evaluation activities among research scientists and genebank curators as well as the development of common databases.. Financial resources and the lack of information were considered as main constraints which still need to be addressed. The paper suggested that joint research activities, training courses, exchange visits among curators for specific crops should be organized. Information on these activities should be published in reports, catalogues and journals. A well-designed database, secure and easily accessible, would be an extremely useful tool to promote sharing of information to end users. Discussion: The value of passport data was questioned saying that gene banks should focus and dedicate more time on traits rather than on passport data. However, other argued that passport data is important to identify and distinguish different gene bank accessions. In addition, passport data that includes information on geographical origin of accessions can be used to predict if accessions have useful trait expression (see more at It is of paramount importance that all accessions have at least passport information in order to make their genebank management possible. Characterisation and evaluation should focus on those traits that would enhance the use of genetic resources stored in the collections. In this context, a big ongoing project on characterization of animal genetic resources was mentioned. An innovation in the documentation of genebank accessions would be to further develop descriptors so as to include traits potentially useful for the market that can be used by value chain actors. Interdisciplinary approaches in conservation and use of plant genetic resources This mini-paper discusses the value (in terms of adaptation and resilience of cultivations) of on-farm crop conservation. It describes the role that farmers play in maintaining crops on farm, discusses the different models of cooperation among farmers to collectively maintain diversity and the challenges they face. It shares the experiences from an international UN project (implemented in Latin America and South Asia) and from Italy. The cooperative model of the UN project covers the entire spectrum of conservation and use activities from farm to fork ; it has been tested out successfully in various international projects since 2001 and focuses on 3

4 neglected and underutilized species. The key lesson learnt from these efforts is that the promotion of agrobiodiversity requires the adoption of a new R&D paradigm which also takes into account cultural-sensitive objectives. It required the building of trust between actors, with national project coordinator playing the role of facilitator to enable the development of multi-stakeholder cooperation platform. Within this platform key activities relating to joint characterisation and evaluation, participatory selection of varieties, development of improved agronomic practices and post-harvesting and marketing are carried out. Key constraints include the maintenance of effective collaboration across many different actors having diverse interests. In Italy, the regional Italian legislation on protecting local genetic resources (varieties and breeds) is one of the few operating examples for the protection and exploitation of PGRFA in Europe. The Tuscany region has established a regional law to protect local varieties and established a regional conservation catalogue. The Italian Plan for Agricultural Biodiversity is another model for cooperation between various scientific stakeholders and regional authorities. Under the coordination of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, a Standing Committee on Genetic Resources was established, with the aim of coordinating actions at local levels to transfer the information needed for the protection of local agricultural resources to local operators and all interested stakeholders. In September 2012, the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry also adopted the National Guidelines for the in-situ, on-farm and ex-situ conservation of plant, animal and microbial biodiversity of agricultural interest. This is the first significant interdisciplinary work for the protection of biodiversity for food and agriculture. The mini-paper also discusses the EU seed legislation and its implications as well as EU legislation (i.e. Commission Directives 2008/62/EC 20 June 2008, 2009/145/EC 26 November 2009 and 2010/60/ EU 30 August 2010) intended to safeguard local plant genetic resources (landraces and other variable populations) through the production and marketing of very limited quantity of seed only in their area of origin. It is important to mention that a new EU seed legislation is under discussion and will repeal the ones above. The paper calls for more attention in understanding how agrobiodiversity is maintained and used on farm and policies to link to ex situ conservation, more supportive role of public bodies to access to genetic resources, their conservation and valorisation and promoting farmers network for conservation of threatened landraces. More attention needs to be given to pre-breeding as well as promoting policies to facilitate farmer s right in seed exchange. Discussions: Reference was made to the several EU initiatives, e.g. ECPGR on farm conservation working group which have develop an on-farm conservation strategy and Solibam EU project which is another example of collaborative project among farmers. The final congress of this project was being held in second week of July It was argued that breeders have a limited timeline and cannot engage in long-term pre-breeding programmes. However it is important that such programme be developed to provide new traits to breeders. Other regions in Europe contemplated the Tuscany model of regional legislation to protect local varieties and breeds. The model could also be replicated in the UK or at a regional level. Tools for Characterization and Use of Plant Genetic Resources This paper introduces some of the tools currently being used or developed in the characterization of plant genetic resources, with some examples of the use of plant genetic resources in breeding programmes. It remarks that there are over 7 million accessions of PGR in genebanks, which represent an enormous resource for research and plant breeding. The challenge is how to access genetic diversity from these accessions. The paper describes tools for undertaking phenotypic and morphological characterisation and by genotyping and sequencing. The paper argues that the conventional growing out of plants for characterisation is very limiting and resource demanding, but the formation of consortia between genebanks, breeding companies and researchers has had some success at phenotyping larger numbers of accessions than cannot typically be handled by a single Genebank/provider. The developments of new phenotyping technologies (tools to image root growth over time, automated phenotyping robots, tools for image analysis of plants, etc.) will allows extremely detailed characterization of plants and will aid the collection of phenotypic data as well as its provision to users. Another form of phenotyping analysis of increasing importance is the screening of proteins and metabolites (proteomic and metabolomics) in collections of PGR. Different molecular characterisation approaches can be used molecular marker genotyping, sequencing of the expressed portion of the genome (transcriptome sequencing), sequencing based on only the variable or non-repetitive parts of the genome, and 4

5 sequencing and assembly of whole genomes. Genotyping is now most frequently carried out through the use of SNP markers (single nucleotide polymorphisms, which are abundant in eukaryotic genomes), and this is the least costly approach, yet variation at thousands of markers can be assessed. The paper provides several examples to illustrate how PGR in conjunction with innovations in plant breeding can be used by the public and/or private sector to develop new crops with improved economic and environmental sustainability traits. For example, in Africa, resistance to the Cassava Mosaic Disease could be introgressed from the wild species into cultivated cassava. Genetic Modification (GM) in combination with in vitro tissue culture techniques can allow transfer traits from wild species into cultivated varieties, as for example a late blightresistant gene from a wild potato relative was transferred into a cultivated potato variety. The paper describes two examples of collaborative activities for development and application of tools for the characterization and use of PGR. One is the African Orphan Crops Consortium, a partnership aiming to obtain the genome sequences of 100 traditional and underutilized crops from Africa (see and the other the Genetic Improvement Networks developed in the UK such as VeGIN (vegetable crops see and OReGIN (rapeseed see ) in the UK, which offer pipelines for the uptake of PGR by plant breeders into new commercial varieties with improved sustainability traits. The main constraints for molecular characterization of germplasm include the cost of sequencing of accessions especially for smaller companies, the curation of huge amount of sequenced data as well as curation of derived purified material by genebanks themselves. Other constraints include the ownership issues and intellectual property (IP) regimes, lengthy regulatory regimes surrounding the field testing and commercial deployment of GM plant products, and the cost involved in phenotyping and trait screening. In terms of research needs, the most pressing are the development of coherent programmes to obtain genomic data on accessions in collections of PGR and experimental design to link sequenced data with genetic and genomic information. Discussion: Among the 7 million accessions which exist in genebanks, about 70% are duplicates. Tools for identifying duplicates from collection are needed. There is also the need to characterise the diversity found on farm and not only in seed banks. There are new genomic technologies, such as high throughput DNA fingerprinting, Next Generation sequencing (NGS) which can help to characterise germplasm in a much cheaper way and more quickly. Cooperation models on conservation and use of Crop Wild Relatives This mini-paper discusses the importance and role of crop wild relatives (CWR) as gene providers for crop improvement and its contribution in sustaining food security in the long term, especially in the wake of climate change. The paper describe a collaborative action between genebanks curators, environmental scientists and breeders in an EU FP7 funded project Novel characterization of crop wild relative and landrace resources as a basis for improved crop breeding (PGR Secure). The aim of this collaborative project is to research novel characterization techniques and conservation strategies for European CWR and landrace diversity, and further to enhance crop improvement by breeders, as a means of underpinning European food security in the face of climate change. The project partners are engaged in phenotyping and genotyping, transcriptomics activities for identification of resistance to white fly in Brassica. A predictive characterisation methodology was used to identify desired traits from in situ and on farm populations. Conservation strategies for CWR and Landrace have been developed at national and European levels. The project also carried out a SWOT analysis of European PGR conservation and use community needs to promote CWR and LR use. A PGR Diversity Gateway was also developed to provide and share trait and conservation information. From a cooperative perspective, the main constraints experienced by the project relate to the exchange of information and data between the stakeholders. Access to information, the lack of information on diversity of local crop varieties maintained on farm, limited access by farmers to available diversity and to information on different varieties and researchers' delay in sharing their data to other partners until their publication were real challenges. 5

6 The paper identifies several priority areas for research, namely: determination of conservation status and threats, policies and practices at priority sites for conservation, identification of adaptive traits in CWR wild population, insitu conservation outside protected areas and ex-situ conservation. Discussion: The level of awareness about conservation of CWR by national authorities was discussed. The UK has developed a national strategy on CWR. There is a plant genetic group established involving gene bank managers, who provides technical advice to government, and policy makers. This committee meet twice per year and discusses issues relating to breeding and biodiversity. There is a committee on AnGR as well in UK. This model should be replicated in other countries, especially in Eastern Europe where there is little awareness and less energy to act. Harnessing plant genetic resources for enhancing resistance to abiotic stress in the genomics era This mini-paper discusses a multidisciplinary approach for enhancing crop resilience to climate change. The paper argues that food security in the 21st century will largely rely on the release of climate-resilient cultivars better able to perform well across a broad range of environments and able to face the challenges of food production in the face of unpredictability of the prevailing weather patterns and an increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather conditions. The genetic make-up of climate-resilient cultivars will require greater functional plasticity and resistance to abiotic stress, particularly drought. The use of translational genomics and functional basis of abiotic stress adaptation will provide novel opportunities to enhance the yearly rate of gain in crop yield. A number of multidisciplinary, integrative projects, such as Generation Challenge Program (GCP: ) have been completed to identifying the main morpho-physiological factors that regulate the adaptive response of crops to unfavourable conditions. Others are in progress in the public domain and/or by means of public-private partnerships. There has also been increasing awareness of the critical role played by accurate, relevant and high-throughput phenotyping technologies such as aerial infrared thermography of drought-stressed nurseries for accurate evaluate water status. The paper identifies insufficient beneficial allelic variability and low heritability of yield as the main constraints towards the release of climate-resilient cultivars. There have been a limited number of QTL studies that have produced tangible results toward the improvement of crop productivity under abiotic stress. Research priorities includes studies on stress interactions with crop growth and yield, better understanding of the rhyzosphere, root functions and plasticity, reproductive failure under stress, epigenetic effects, perenniality, etc.. Sustaining a sufficient and stable supply of food under increasingly challenging climatic conditions will require a more effective integration between conventional and genomics-assisted approaches. A crop-pollinator inter-play approach for the implementation of pre-breeding strategies on local breeds and varieties This mini-paper discusses the role of pollinators in the creation of novel populations through the crossing and recombination of genetically diverse materials selected by farmers and breeders. It proposes two basic approaches to manage pollination by farmers at field level: a) in Farming for Alternative Pollinators (FAP) the approach targeted at pollinators have focused on appropriate semi-natural habitats management along field margins, that is pollinator-friendly practices; b) in Crop-Design System (CDS), breeders and the farmers collaboratively develop cultivars with enhanced heterosis mediated yield and resilience, using floral resources within the crop for supporting insect pollinator populations. The EU project SOLIBAM (Strategies for Organic and Low-input Integrated Breeding and Management; has advanced to strength activities on pre-breeding strategies on local breeds by using the crop-pollinator inter-play approach. The paper identified a number of constraints including the lack of knowledge on the factors that shape the amount and distribution of genetic diversity and efficient pollination management technologies. There is also a lack of information of useful traits related to crop-pollinator inter-play and insufficient participatory plant breeding using farmer s knowledge of pollinators habitat. The implementation of the proposed strategy will gather support from the following initiatives: 6

7 a) at European level, a Cost Action FA1307 on Sustainable Pollination b) at world level, the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) on the assessment of pollination and pollinators associated with food production ( ). Discussions: The case of pistachio in the Middle East was mentioned. Farmers plant wild Pistacia species in the orchard for providing pollen that, according to them, contributes to improve the success of pollination among male and female cultivated varieties. A similar situation is recorded in the oases of North Africa where date palm growers select specific male trees as donor of pollen used for pollinating specific female trees (according to the farmers, this matching provides date fruits of larger size and better shapes- a poorly known phenomenon known to scientists as xenia or metaxenia). Farmers knowledge on how to manage pollination (operated by wind or by insects or both) is thus extremely relevant in crop production and warrant thus further studies. Additionally, it was suggested that there is a gap between pollination biologists interested in floral biology and those interested in the application of this knowledge to germoplasm management and prebreeding. A new Focus Group to strength the links among pollination biologist, genebank managers and farmers to better use pollination and pollinators in PGR conservation has been proposed. Agro-Food Value Chain Cooperation This paper analyses the role of genetic resources (both plant and microbial) on the agro-food value chain and presents some cases of successful valorisation of indigenous genetic resources. They play a critical role in the farming system as a primary source to agricultural production and agroecosystem. The authors argue that this is the stage where genetic variability can bring innovation to farming. Genetic resources are also important in transformation stage(s) along the value chain, as for example in the use of microbial genetic as fermenting microorganism. The paper also presents three examples of cooperation in Portugal. The Association of Fruit and Vegetable Growers, CAMPOTEC SA, which has an internal certified innovation department, is responsible for their integration in innovation networks and cooperation with the stakeholders. Its flagship products are two autochthonous fruits: the Rocha pear, from the denominated region for Pêra Rocha do Oeste, and the apple variety produced within the PGI of Alcobaça. Another cooperation model is the ADVID - the Association for the Development of Viticulture in the Douro Region, Douro Wine Region Cluster, a non-profit organisation, with the aim of contributing for the modernisation of viticulture. ADVID has defined strategic R&D lines of action relating to impact of climate change, functional biodiversity, oenological fitness of grapes, preservation of genetic biodiversity and sustainable production that were considered as critical for the sustainability of viticulture. Their objective is also to act as a knowledge hub, to transfer knowledge, to provide innovative support services to their members, as well as to act as an interface with the regulatory agencies and policy makers. The third example is the Scotia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, an international, research-based pharmaceutical which has gathered over 2,000 accessions of evening primrose (Oenothera spp.), commercially as an oilseed crop rich gammalinolenic acid, of use to the pharmaceutical industry. There was also close cooperation between plant researchers, seed companies and farmers to ensure that the crop was grown to its maximum potential in commercial agriculture. Scotia also cooperated closely with medical researchers to conduct trials designed to evaluate the pharmaceutical benefits of evening primrose oil. These three examples are all driven by the industry and provide high value end-product. The paper recognises that there is a reduction of genetic variability which leads to low levels of biodiversity and loss of ecosystem services. There is also a need to continuous research on the entire value chain in order to successfully innovate using the genetic resources. A major research need is to engage on a comprehensive analysis of the different value chains on the Agro-Food Sector to understand the specific and value adding research needs. Discussion: The relationship between farmers and the industry was discussed. Farmers are considered as part of industry. In the UK and Portugal, farmer- scientist networks are being setup where groups of farmers and researchers meet and talk through problems etc. Collaboration exists with policy makers, scientists etc. 7

8 Pre-breeding in crop plants This mini-paper discusses pre-breeding of crop plants as a bridge between operations of plant genetic resource collections and modern plant breeding. A close collaboration between public research institutes, gene banks as well as private plant breeding companies is needed to ensure that targets meet the demands of breeding objectives either for climate change adaptation, changed crop production systems, extended cultivation areas, improved water and nutrient use efficiency, improved resistance to pests and pathogens. Pre-breeding for diseases resistance is most environmentally and human friendly since it reduces the use of pesticides harmful to environment and human health. The paper argues that capacity building is needed to counteract genetic erosion and is of paramount importance. Discussions: In terms of capacity building, it was mentioned that University of Ghent in Belgium and the University LaSalle Beauvais in France, have set up a joint 2-years masters on plant breeding., Training programmes for breeders have been established in France and there is an interest in working with the private sector and in providing internships. Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) in Plant Breeding In Europe the gap between basic research and applied research is widening and the public plant breeding research has decreased significantly. It is necessary to build cooperation between plant breeders and plant researchers in the framework of Public-Private-Partnership (PPP). The paper provides several arguments for investing public plant breeding research and describes some models of PPP initiatives in Europe. The first initiative is the Nordic PPP initiative for pre-breeding in plants whose purpose is to support pre-competitive prebreeding collaboration between plant breeders and researchers, meeting the requirements of the Nordic societies and increasing access for Nordic agriculture to adapted varieties. Pre-breeding projects can include base broadening, gene introduction and the development or adaptation of tools and methods to speed up breeding processes. The Danish Crop Innovation Denmark (CID) from genes to Plant is another collaborative project between Danish plant breeding companies and universities. Their aims are to increase the activities dealing with applied plant breeding research and to promote the awareness of the need of such activities to public funding agencies. Their main research activities aim at increasing yield and stability, reducing pesticide use, enhancing nutrition use efficiency, producing healthy food and feed and adaptation to climate change. Germany Plant 2030 is a collaborative venture between plant breeders and industry with the aim of developing crop for the future. It focuses its research on higher yield, disease resistance and improved taste. There are also a number of PPP initiatives in other European countries e.g. Better Plants for New Demands in The Netherlands, French Breedwheat in France, Crop Improvement Research Club (CIRC) in UK and others in Belgium, all of which enhance collaboration between researchers and industry. The paper also identifies the focus on fundamental research, especially genomics and the short term duration of the collaborative project as the main constraints. This provides less possibility to set up research collaboration in minor crops. It recommends that PPP should have long term support (6-10 years), support more applied research projects (minor crops) and focus on pre-breeding for abiotic and biotic stress resistance. Co-operation Platforms on Plant Genetic Resources and their Use in Europe This mini-paper describes some of the most important European platform dedicated to plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. European networks have been established, which also serve as platforms for scientific discussions, sharing responsibilities and information, technology transfer and research collaboration. In Europe the most prominent co-operation platform for conservation of plant genetic resources is the European Cooperative Programme for Plant Genetic Resources (ECPGR), aimed at ensuring the long-term conservation and facilitating the utilization of plant genetic resources in Europe. It is funded by the participating countries and coordinated by a secretariat. It operates through 21 different working groups dealing with groups of crops or with general themes (such as documentation, in situ and on farm conservation, etc.), involving experts from gene banks, research institutions, NGOs and breeding entities. Among the main cooperation products, ECPGR has established a single web portal called EURISCO which provides access to all ex-situ PGR information in Europe and A European Genebank Integrated System (AEGIS) which functions as a virtual European Genebank, 8

9 where material will be maintained in accordance with agreed quality standards, and will be freely available in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. In addition to the ECPGR network, there is a wide range of stakeholders who are organized at national and regional levels. National programmes on PGRFA have been implemented in most countries to plan, coordinate and promote conservation and use of genetic resources in the single countries. Regional programmes such as The Nordic Gene Resource Center have been established to strengthen and rationalize the work in five Nordic countries. There are also many project-based platforms, such as DIVERSEEDS project ( and INTERREG-program that have enhanced and helped to advance and strengthen activities on conservation and use of genetic resources at regional, national, European and international level. In the "use" sector there are a couple of European organizations, namely EUCARPIA and ESA that deal with enhancement of genetic resources. EUCARPIA aims to promote scientific and technical co-operation in the field of plant breeding in order to foster its further development, while ESA is an organization representing the European seed industry and has interest in research, breeding, production and marketing of seeds. In conclusion, the paper highlights the fact that there are many links between the different platforms. It argues that it is very important to create sustainability and ensure continuity of the work through the creation of more persistent structures. It is important that the EU funding support groups that will link their work with existing structures. Supporting the goals and already existing research strategies of these platforms should be the first priority in planning new actions to enhance the conservation and use of plant genetic resources in Europe and in making these platforms more sustainable in the future. Discussion: It was suggested to add CIOPORA - the International Community of Breeders of Asexually Reproduced Ornamental and Fruit Varieties. CIOPORA is the international association that groups together breeders of ornamental and fruit varieties of asexual reproduction, with a view to assist them in the protection of their Intellectual Property Rights. Farm Animal Genetic Resources Cooperation Models: Issues facing the local extensively farmed livestock breeds In this paper issues specific to the traditional breeds of livestock species (pigs, cattle, sheep and goats) which are 'at-risk' and their utility for agriculture, along with relevant co-operation models for their conservation, characterisation and utilisation are addressed. The need for the mini-paper has arisen from the very clear distinction between issues facing plant and animal genetic resources recognised by this Focus Group at its first meeting. Such differences need to be clearly understood by policy makers on the EC Genetic Resources Committee. The paper highlights the significance of the genetic resources of indigenous, locally adapted breeds of livestock in maintaining biodiversity and promoting rural sustainability through stakeholder involvement and cooperation. It discusses how to establish an interdisciplinary approach in the conservation and use of animal genetic resources following the FAO guidelines (2010) on this topic, in establishing a working group of all stakeholders. It is important though that the working group is led by a champion of an individual breed or closely aligned group of breeds and that decisions made is agreed by the people working directly in the area and are making a living from the targeted breed. It makes a point that there is no single way to organise a breed and that a detailed analysis of prevailing conditions is necessary for a successful working group. The paper then discusses value chain cooperation and ecosystem services. It discusses how to start a niche market focusing on markets where consumers would choose quality products and/or for cultural reason. The paper emphasises that for the business to be successful, it has to be economically viable. It needs to develop its own brand based on enhancing its products and provide a whole package. It also needs technical support, such as tools for recording animal performance, to further develop the breed and provide vital information for successful marketing of the breed. The potential role of traditional breeds in conservation grazing to sustain environmental biodiversity and contributing to ecosystem service is discussed. 9

10 The paper discusses the constraints in establishing ex-situ collection of animal genetic resources for conservation purposes, especially in relation to sanitary requirements imposed by EU regulations for exchange (and commercialise) genetic material between countries. It recommends that specific regulations for the ex-situ cryo-storage and maintenance of genebanks for genetic variability and conservation be established urgently. The paper also recommends that it is essential to create awareness and educate retailers, processors and consumers as well as policy makers about the quality 'whole package' that is an integral feature of the local breed. The manner in which the local breeds are farmed in low input and environmentally friendly manner need to be emphasised. It is important that awareness be raised among farmers themselves and policy makers provide necessary technical support to them to farm local breeds. The research priorities for animal genetic resources should focus on the fitness trait of local breeds which have evolved to adapt and thrive under harsh environmental conditions. Emphasis is also needed on the genetic improvement and enhancement, optimisation of genomic programmes. Market research is needed to demonstrate the sustainability of local breeds, as well as to evaluate the risk of genetic drift as local breed are mainstreamed. The paper concludes that the research priorities on local breeds breeding programmes should be placed on interdisciplinary initiatives that combine characterisation, enhancement and improvement of the genetic resource with business development and marketing, including the study of emerging consumer attitudes, needs and trends. Socio-economic aspects addressing opportunities for product innovation and differentiation should also feature in research priorities. 10

11 Day 2: Working Groups During the second day, the participants worked in three workings groups and all the groups were asked to discuss and answer the following three questions: 1. What ideas do you have for integration projects? 2. What are the research priorities? 3. How to integrate European Crops and Breeds into the Value chain? Integration projects The first working group discussed that an inter-multidisciplinary approach involving the economic, social, cultural, nutritional, tourism and genetic resources aspects, is needed to enhance the use of crops and breeds. These need to be linked to the territory and should be driven by a business model. There is also a need to create capacity of the various value-chain actors using business and success stories, such as the Schwäbisch- Hallisches Landschwein pig breed model. Existing varieties and breed should be valorised and further developed using existing knowledge, habits and best practices. Cooperation between ex-situ conservation of genetic resources and on-farm management is needed to further enhance the development of more adapted crops and breeds through complementarity, reintroductions and best practices of crop management and animal husbandry. The group suggested that activities (for example, a Regional European Programme) to develop the capacities in young people to become successful agriculture entrepreneurs should be promoted. These should target local communities, small and medium size farmers. The programme should be made attractive by proposing a new concept of agriculture where genetic diversity, environment/nature, local identity (geographic indications) and economic opportunities play a central role. Such programmes should better integrate farmers in to the eco-agrifood systems to produce more healthy nutritious food. The second working group examined the needs of farmers, industry, environment, consumers and breeders in terms of the genetic resources and their products. Farmers needs good high-quality varieties and in general looks for varieties with good and stable yield and resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses. They also care for certain agronomic traits of importance for the target crops (e.g. lodging and earliness are important traits for cereals). Industries looks for production of high-quality varieties in high quantity, at low cost and easy to process, while at the same time are environmentally friendly. It is important for the environment that varieties use natural resources more efficiently, in particular be nutrient- and water- use efficient. Integrated pest management approaches should be adopted and varieties should also be resilient to future climate change in particular to water use, carbon dioxide, ozone and temperature. Consumers on the other hand are seeking good quality and healthy food at affordable prices. Consumers are increasingly looking for environment friendly products, with easy accessibility of local production (e.g. special food in Nordic countries). They are also very concerned about ethical production systems. For breeders, adequate access to and the characterization and evaluation of genetic resources are very important. There is a need for affordable technologies for integration of phenotyping and genotyping, and methods for incorporating adapted traits into varieties. The group discussed the challenges in establishing an integration project. It argued that the success for an integration group would very much depend on the willingness for these different stakeholders (farmers, industry and breeders) to collaborate together in a project. It was believed that this would be more feasible for minor crops, but would be more difficult for the major crops. It was suggested that for breeders perspective, some kind of network involving farmers, consumers, industries is warranted. 11

12 FARMERS CONSUMERS Breeders INDUSTRIES ENVIRONMENT The third working group discussed the enhancement of productivity and sustainability of genetic resources and called for a feasibility study of the interaction between animal and crop genetic resources where synergies and complementarities can be demonstrated. Existing diversity should be identified and managed, and custodians of regional agricultural biodiversity should be created for enhancing food health and sustainability. They argued that a network of private public and academic partnership (PPP) needs to be created to carry out pre-breeding activities to deliver improve crop (and animal) genetic diversity. These should also extend potentially to fish and other marine organisms. The group also discussed the use of draught horse power as an alternative organic farming practise that has the potential of creating high value products such as the case in wine production. 12

13 Research priorities The three working groups also further brainstormed on key research priorities, building on the work already carried out in the first meeting. The following key research priorities were suggested: Characterization of genetic resources need to improve descriptors lists of genetic resources to include nutritional, organoleptic and health as well as market traits to improve market value and contribute to green economy. (WG1) Create a pan-european network of farmers to support on farm conservation and management, to motivate and train farmers, to create links with research (universities); to use lead farmers as trainers to share their experience and participate in training courses at EU level. (WG1) Elucidating synergies between pollination and pollinators and local pre-breeding procedures to develop win-win strategies (farmer-crop-pollinator). Mechanisms to better connect farmers, breeders and genebank managers with pollination biologists are very strategic and urgently needed (WG1) Characterisation of in-situ populations (important especially with respect to climate change) Improved resource use efficiencies and resource stewardship for characterization, mining of collections and safeguarding (WG2) Research on yield improvement and yield stability in changing and dynamic environments, taking into account environmental aspects and prediction for genetic potential in future environments (WG2) Enriching plants for health and human nutrition and feed- characterisation for novel traits (WG2) Pre-breeding for resilient plants, involving the development of new technology for the rapid transfer of traits from wild relatives to crops for improved plant health and resilience (e.g. reduced use of fertilisers) (WG2) Data management of characterization and evaluation, sequencing, phenotyping, genotyping; actions to link/mine/integrate phenotyping and genotyping data for core collection sets and functional diversity. (WG2) Interdisciplinary research linking genetic characterization, business development (downstream opportunities for innovation and product differentiation) and socioeconomics (WG3) Study and evaluation of genetic resources to improve competitiveness of local crops and breeds to ensure self-sustainability and market competiveness/opportunities(wg3) Value chain How to integrate European crops into the value chain? There was little time available for a full discussion of this question. However the working groups recommended that there is a need for full market analysis to explore the potential value of genetic resources and that such an analysis need to be done by farmers at local and regional levels. Incentives in the form of seed money are needed for farmers to implement this exploratory phase. The group also recommended that a roadmap to value chain (farm to fork) is required for each genetic resource from the resource itself to consumption and to define the role and synergies between stakeholders in the chain. It is also important to analyse and draw lessons from success stories and failures at national, regional and international levels. Dissemination Related Future Events: 13

14 SOLIBAM Congress 2014 Diversity strategies for organic and low input agricultures and their food system, 7-9 July, Nantes, France (M.J. Suso) WCGALP? (ANGR session) All the Platforms in the Minipaper by Veteläinen & Dulloo + CIOPORA (will be included in the final mini paper) (PPP Nordic, CID Crop Innovation Denmark) Organize a Workshop to streamline the different Research strategies of the Group related Platforms (see minipaper list) Possible Journal article written by the FG using the final report. Publication in various scientific magazines The report other publications from Focus Group should be disseminated to the following organisations, people, networks and platforms : ECPGR (the European Cooperative Programme for Plant Genetic Resources) Cost Action FA1307, Sustainable pollination in Europe: joint research on bees and other pollinators (SUPER-B). (M.J.Suso ) IPBES Report of the second session of the Plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. United Nations Environment Program. (M.J.Suso ) ERFP (ANGR European FAO rep.) DEFRA (UK) PPP - Nordic CID Crop Innovation Denmark IFPRI (Food Policy Research Institute) Meeting Nov in Washington D.C. (Value chain discussions BIOV. To attend) ISHS Related Projects or Initiatives for the EIP-AGRI Database: PORVID -> Association for the Preservation of Vitis vinifera Biodiversity Nordic PPP-projects Danish Deep Root Project Vegetable Genetic Improvement Network UK (+ also wheat, rapeseed & pulse crops) 14