The critical role of genebanks in reviving crop diversity, reconnecting farmers with underutilized crop varieties, and strengthening local food systems was the subject of the webinar Connecting Genebanks with Farmers and Communities – Restoring Crop Diversity for Resilient Food Systems, hosted by IGCAT with guest speakers from recent partner, Crop Trust, a leading international non-profit organization dedicated to safeguarding crop diversity.
On 25th March, our guest speakers, Luis Salazar and Bailey Cate from Crop Trust, shared real-world case studies from the BOLD and Seeds for Resilience projects and highlighted the importance of genebanks to ensure long-term food and nutrition security. Their presentations emphasized how genebanks serve as vital repositories of agricultural biodiversity, safeguarding future food resilience by preserving traditional and heirloom crop varieties.
We were also thrilled to hear from some of IGCAT’s stakeholder institutions, Regions’ representatives, and experts, who engaged in meaningful discussions, exploring how collaborations between changemakers in food, culture, and sustainability can build more resilient, biodiverse food systems. The exchange of knowledge and experiences underscored the need for a holistic approach that connects research institutions, policymakers, farmers, and local communities in the collective mission to sustain food biodiversity.
As a platform connecting thought leaders, practitioners, and food innovators, IGCAT fosters exchanges like this one, sparking ideas that help shape sustainable food futures and protect regional gastronomy and cultural heritage. By bridging the gap between genebanks and local food networks, we aim to strengthen the connection between tradition and innovation, ensuring the longevity of diverse and nutritious food systems.
A huge thank you to Luis Salazar, Bailey Cate, and Crop Trust, as well as all our other participants, including Anna Goutan, Rosa Maria Pedrol and Ramon Sentmartí (Catalonia, World Region of Gastronomy 2025), Alessandra Gentile (Sicily, European Region of Gastronomy 2024), Rlm Mathlouthi (Tunisia), Edith Szivas (IGCAT Vice-President), Wendy Barrie (Scotland), Ana Paula Sançana and Paula Frade (Coimbra, European Region of Gastronomy 2021-2022), Eirini Makedona (Crete, European Region of Gastronomy 2026), Szabó Károly (Harghita, European Region of Gastronomy 2027), for contributing to this webinar.
31 March 2025
