Annual Report 1981


Book Description







Community Seed Banks


Book Description

Community seed banks first appeared towards the end of the 1980s, established with the support of international and national non-governmental organizations. This book is the first to provide a global review of their development and includes a wide range of case studies. Countries that pioneered various types of community seed banks include Bangladesh, Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Nepal, Nicaragua, the Philippines and Zimbabwe. In the North, a particular type of community seed bank emerged known as a seed-savers network. Such networks were first established in Australia, Canada, the UK and the USA before spreading to other countries. Over time, the number and diversity of seed banks has grown. In Nepal, for example, there are now more than 100 self-described community seed banks whose functions range from pure conservation to commercial seed production. In Brazil, community seed banks operate in various regions of the country. Surprisingly, despite 25 years of history and the rapid growth in number, organizational diversity and geographical coverage of community seed banks, recognition of their roles and contributions has remained scanty. The book reviews their history, evolution, experiences, successes and failures (and reasons why), challenges and prospects. It fills a significant gap in the literature on agricultural biodiversity and conservation, and their contribution to food sovereignty and security.




Genetically Engineered Crops


Book Description

Genetically engineered (GE) crops were first introduced commercially in the 1990s. After two decades of production, some groups and individuals remain critical of the technology based on their concerns about possible adverse effects on human health, the environment, and ethical considerations. At the same time, others are concerned that the technology is not reaching its potential to improve human health and the environment because of stringent regulations and reduced public funding to develop products offering more benefits to society. While the debate about these and other questions related to the genetic engineering techniques of the first 20 years goes on, emerging genetic-engineering technologies are adding new complexities to the conversation. Genetically Engineered Crops builds on previous related Academies reports published between 1987 and 2010 by undertaking a retrospective examination of the purported positive and adverse effects of GE crops and to anticipate what emerging genetic-engineering technologies hold for the future. This report indicates where there are uncertainties about the economic, agronomic, health, safety, or other impacts of GE crops and food, and makes recommendations to fill gaps in safety assessments, increase regulatory clarity, and improve innovations in and access to GE technology.




Agrindex


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Annual Report


Book Description




Latin-American Seeds


Book Description

In the last few years, the Latin-American seeds have gained increased importance (also due to the increased demand for gluten-free foods). Worldwide demand for Latin-American seeds and grains has risen in a high proportion. In parallel, seeds and grains' research from this region in all relevant fields has been intensified. Latin-American Seeds: Agronomic, Processing and Health Aspects summarizes the recent research on Latin-American crops regarding agronomic and botanical characteristics, composition, structure, use, production, technology, and impact on human health. Latin-American cultivars studied here are included in the groups of cereals, pseudo-cereals, oilseeds, and legumes that are used in a great variety of innovative and traditional foods. The main crops that are covered in this book are Latin-American maize (Zea mays), amaranth (Amaranthus spp), quinoa (Chenopodium spp), kaƱiwa (Chenopodium pallidicaule), chia (Salvia hispanica), sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) and legumes such as black turtle and common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and tarwi (Lupinus mutabilis). Key Features: Contains updated information about recent research works on Latin-American crops Includes a variety of Latin-American plant species that are used in a great variety of innovative and traditional foods Addresses a wide range of topics related to agronomy, plant physiology, and nutritional and technological properties, processing, fractionation and development of new products for human health