Representatives from several EU countries discuss the conservation possibilities of local perennial plants and crops
Dr. Gunārs Lācis, Senior Researcher at the LatHort, along with colleagues from other European Union countries, discussed important issues related to the conservation of local perennial plants and crops at the 54th focus group of the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) network.
As noted by G. Lācis: “Such exchanges of experience are valuable for assessing the current position of our country, and it must be acknowledged that we are in similar positions as others. We face the same challenges and issues. The biggest challenge is the use of genetic resources, which concerns everyone. Our major advantage is the combined genetic resources and breeding activities, which complement each other, thus ensuring that there is mutual flow of plant material.”
The goals of the event were to:
• Explore the advantages of underutilized local perennial varieties in addressing climate change and conserving biodiversity;
• Review the challenges and opportunities for farmers in growing such crops;
• Compile examples of good practices in different pedoclimatic zones;
• Highlight examples of local perennial fruit crop valorization;
• Discuss capacity-building experiences on farms;
• Offer innovative ideas for EIP-AGRI operational groups and project competitions.
During the event, Gunārs Lācis presented Latvia’s experience in the ex situ conservation and utilization of fruit crop genetic resources.