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Dr. Ronnie Vernooy
The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT

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0 Rural Development
0 Seed Development
0 Develepoment And Project Sociology,
0 Biodiversity and Conservation
0 resilient crops

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Original research article
Published: 29 April 2021 in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems
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The rich agrobiodiversity of China is under unprecedented threat, experiencing a dramatic loss of many valuable local varieties and wild relatives of main crops. The country's formal conservation system of ex situ genebanks faces serious challenges to address this loss. Community seed banks can play a key role to complement the conservation activities of these genebanks and provide other important collective goods, such as evolutionary services, but although they have been around for some 35 years in various parts of the world, in China they have a much shorter history. In recent years though the number has increased to almost 30 in 2020, in particular due to the efforts of the China Farmers' Seed Network. The community seed banks in the country are very diverse in terms of functions and services, forms of management and institutional linkages. Compared to the most common functions of community seed banks in other countries, China is bringing an important design innovation through two new functions: adding value to seed and produce through innovative marketing strategies, and building regional and national seed system linkages and fostering collaboration. The review of community seed banking not only provides rich empirical evidence, but also makes an important contribution to theory. Building on the achievements of community seed banking in the last decade, there is scope to scale this kind of very valuable agrobiodiversity conservation approach through more effective uptake and support by relevant national policies.

ACS Style

Xin Song; Guanqi Li; Ronnie Vernooy; Yiching Song. Community Seed Banks in China: Achievements, Challenges and Prospects. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems 2021, 5, 1 .

AMA Style

Xin Song, Guanqi Li, Ronnie Vernooy, Yiching Song. Community Seed Banks in China: Achievements, Challenges and Prospects. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. 2021; 5 ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Xin Song; Guanqi Li; Ronnie Vernooy; Yiching Song. 2021. "Community Seed Banks in China: Achievements, Challenges and Prospects." Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems 5, no. : 1.

Reference work
Published: 09 March 2021 in Handbook of Climate Change Management
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Community seed banks are repositories of local genetic diversity that is often adapted to prevailing climate conditions including biotic stresses. They may be useful to contribute to community-based strategies for adaptation to climate change. This chapter provides evidence about actual and potential roles of community seed banks in climate change adaptation based on a series of studies being carried out in various smallholder farmer regions of the world (Bangladesh, Guatemala, Nepal, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe). These studies illustrate two important ways in which more effective management of plant genetic resources can strengthen farmers’ capacity to adapt to climate change. The ways are (1) securing improved access to and availability of diverse, locally adapted crops and varieties through the use of multiple germplasm sources and (2) enhancement of related local knowledge and skills in plant management including seed selection, treatment, storage, multiplication, and distribution. As such, community seed banks can enhance or revive traditional social seed networks that have existed for decades or centuries based on combinations of seed-saving, seed exchanges, seed-giving, seed-bartering, and seed purchase. What is needed now are growing recognition among and support from policy-makers that community seed banks can be a very effective form of farmer organization toward more climate-smart agriculture.

ACS Style

Ronnie Vernooy; Farida Akhter; Sergio Alonzo; Mpolokeng Lydia Mokoena; Andrew Mushita; Gloria Otieno; Pitambar Shrestha. Strengthening Smallholder Farmers’ Capacity to Adapt to Climate Change: Roles of Community Seedbanks. Handbook of Climate Change Management 2021, 1 -22.

AMA Style

Ronnie Vernooy, Farida Akhter, Sergio Alonzo, Mpolokeng Lydia Mokoena, Andrew Mushita, Gloria Otieno, Pitambar Shrestha. Strengthening Smallholder Farmers’ Capacity to Adapt to Climate Change: Roles of Community Seedbanks. Handbook of Climate Change Management. 2021; ():1-22.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ronnie Vernooy; Farida Akhter; Sergio Alonzo; Mpolokeng Lydia Mokoena; Andrew Mushita; Gloria Otieno; Pitambar Shrestha. 2021. "Strengthening Smallholder Farmers’ Capacity to Adapt to Climate Change: Roles of Community Seedbanks." Handbook of Climate Change Management , no. : 1-22.

Journal article
Published: 27 August 2020 in Agronomy
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Access and use of seed of improved varieties of groundnut among farmers can improve farmers’ livelihoods and contribute to the potential of crop production in Tanzania. This paper analyzes factors underpinning the adoption of improved groundnut varieties among farmers to pave the way for upscaling quality seed used for increased production and commodity business in farming communities. A four-stage stratified sampling was used to collect data from 300 groundnut farmers in seven agro-ecological zones through individual interviews. Secondary data were collected from the literature and the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute at Naliendele centre (TARI–Naliendele). Descriptive statistics and Probit regression model were used for data analysis. The empirical results showed that Johari 1985, Pendo 1998, Naliendele 2009, Mnanje 2009, Mangaka 2009 and Nachi 2015, are the main six improved groundnut varieties used by farmers, with Pendo 1998 having the highest adoption rate (17.1%). In the grain market, four varieties, namely Pendo 1998, Mnanje 2009, Nachi 2015 and Johari 1985, were observed to be highly preferred by grain off-takers. Furthermore, among the adopted improved varieties, Nachi 2015, is observed to be the most consistent high yielding variety, ranging from 1100 kg/ha to 1500 kg/ha in all agro-ecological zones. A farmer’s decision to adopt new varieties is affected by age and gender, farmer group membership, availability of improved seed and seed cost. Overall, male farmers are more likely to adopt improved varieties of groundnut than female farmers. The implications of these findings are also discussed, in particular in the area of policy support.

ACS Style

Serapius Mwalongo; Essegbemon Akpo; Gerald Alex Lukurugu; Geoffrey Muricho; Ronnie Vernooy; Athanas Minja; Christopher Ojiewo; Esther Njuguna; Gloria Otieno; Rajeev Varshney. Factors Influencing Preferences and Adoption of Improved Groundnut Varieties among Farmers in Tanzania. Agronomy 2020, 10, 1271 .

AMA Style

Serapius Mwalongo, Essegbemon Akpo, Gerald Alex Lukurugu, Geoffrey Muricho, Ronnie Vernooy, Athanas Minja, Christopher Ojiewo, Esther Njuguna, Gloria Otieno, Rajeev Varshney. Factors Influencing Preferences and Adoption of Improved Groundnut Varieties among Farmers in Tanzania. Agronomy. 2020; 10 (9):1271.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Serapius Mwalongo; Essegbemon Akpo; Gerald Alex Lukurugu; Geoffrey Muricho; Ronnie Vernooy; Athanas Minja; Christopher Ojiewo; Esther Njuguna; Gloria Otieno; Rajeev Varshney. 2020. "Factors Influencing Preferences and Adoption of Improved Groundnut Varieties among Farmers in Tanzania." Agronomy 10, no. 9: 1271.

Journal article
Published: 18 June 2020 in Sustainability
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Since 2014, the CGIAR research program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security has collaborated with different stakeholders to implement climate change adaptation approaches and practices in critical locations in the Central American Dry Corridor. A new university course for professionals in the Dry Corridor aims to scale these approaches and practices. This article presents the core elements of the course, summarizes the main results, and offers recommendations for future editions. It was observed that the different trajectories and experiences of professionals participating in the first edition of the course facilitated a lively exchange of knowledge, the integration of local experiences in teaching, and the integration of learning in follow up proposals of governmental and non-governmental organizations. The following aspects should be central in future course editions: diversity of participants, adaptation of didactic strategies to the needs of different users, and follow-up support, as well as the integration of course concepts and practices in the actions of different organizations. The latter requires strong organizational commitment.

ACS Style

Ronnie Vernooy; Claudia Bouroncle; Victor Sandoval Roque; José Ramiro García. Sustainable Territories Adapted to the Climate: Insights from a New University Course Designed and Delivered in Guatemala. Sustainability 2020, 12, 4978 .

AMA Style

Ronnie Vernooy, Claudia Bouroncle, Victor Sandoval Roque, José Ramiro García. Sustainable Territories Adapted to the Climate: Insights from a New University Course Designed and Delivered in Guatemala. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (12):4978.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ronnie Vernooy; Claudia Bouroncle; Victor Sandoval Roque; José Ramiro García. 2020. "Sustainable Territories Adapted to the Climate: Insights from a New University Course Designed and Delivered in Guatemala." Sustainability 12, no. 12: 4978.

Articles
Published: 21 April 2020 in International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability
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Community seed banks (CSBs) are initiatives to support the conservation and use of diverse crops though locally rooted collective action. The impact of CSBs is assumed to be complex, but has not been investigated in detail. Our study addresses this gap by analysing the impact of CSBs using social-ecological resilience as theoretical framework. We focus on the western highlands of Guatemala where CSBs have been implemented since 2009. We used qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis, including focus groups, participatory workshops, and structured and semi-structured interviews conducted in the local communities with CSB members and non-members. Our results indicate that CSBs contributed to increased seed exchanges, improved access to novel crop diversity, more saving of traditional varieties, and greater information and knowledge access, use and exchange. These effects strengthened the social-ecological resilience of the local communities. The scope of action of the CSBs, however, was constrained by wider socio-economic trends, including social divisions, out-migration of youth, and a change in livelihood strategies. We conclude that for CSBs to effectively strengthen social-ecological resilience in the future, they should be continuously adapted to the local context. Conceptually, our findings call for the further evolution of the CSB concept.

ACS Style

Anna Porcuna-Ferrer; Valentin Fiala; Bernhard Freyer; Jacob van Etten; Ronnie Vernooy; Lorenz Probst. Do community seed banks contribute to the social-ecological resilience of communities? A case-study from western Guatemala. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability 2020, 18, 232 -249.

AMA Style

Anna Porcuna-Ferrer, Valentin Fiala, Bernhard Freyer, Jacob van Etten, Ronnie Vernooy, Lorenz Probst. Do community seed banks contribute to the social-ecological resilience of communities? A case-study from western Guatemala. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability. 2020; 18 (3):232-249.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Anna Porcuna-Ferrer; Valentin Fiala; Bernhard Freyer; Jacob van Etten; Ronnie Vernooy; Lorenz Probst. 2020. "Do community seed banks contribute to the social-ecological resilience of communities? A case-study from western Guatemala." International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability 18, no. 3: 232-249.

Articles
Published: 27 March 2020 in Development in Practice
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The core objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) are the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources. The ITPGRFA links these goals explicitly to farmers’ rights. Although farmers’ rights have been debated intensely at international level, their effective implementation at national level remains a major challenge. Community seed banks are good examples of effective implementation of those rights, but have received little attention in scientific literature and policy circles. Case studies in this article from Bangladesh, Côte d’Ivoire, India and Zimbabwe illustrate how this knowledge gap can be filled.

ACS Style

Ronnie Vernooy; Teshome Hunduma Mulesa; Arnab Gupta; Jahangir Alam Jony; Kouablan Edmond Koffi; Hilton Mbozi; P.B. Singh; Pitambar Shrestha; Thabo T. Tjikana; C.L.K. Wakkumbure. The role of community seed banks in achieving farmers’ rights. Development in Practice 2020, 30, 561 -574.

AMA Style

Ronnie Vernooy, Teshome Hunduma Mulesa, Arnab Gupta, Jahangir Alam Jony, Kouablan Edmond Koffi, Hilton Mbozi, P.B. Singh, Pitambar Shrestha, Thabo T. Tjikana, C.L.K. Wakkumbure. The role of community seed banks in achieving farmers’ rights. Development in Practice. 2020; 30 (5):561-574.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ronnie Vernooy; Teshome Hunduma Mulesa; Arnab Gupta; Jahangir Alam Jony; Kouablan Edmond Koffi; Hilton Mbozi; P.B. Singh; Pitambar Shrestha; Thabo T. Tjikana; C.L.K. Wakkumbure. 2020. "The role of community seed banks in achieving farmers’ rights." Development in Practice 30, no. 5: 561-574.

Articles
Published: 03 April 2017 in Development in Practice
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Although community level seed-saving initiatives have been around for about 30 years, until recently they have received little attention in the scientific literature on climate change adaptation and plant genetic resources. Based on research experiences from various countries, this article argues that community seed banks can enhance the resilience of farmers, in particular of communities and households most affected by climate change. Community seed banks can secure improved access to, and availability of, diverse, locally adapted crops and varieties, and enhance related indigenous knowledge and skills in plant management, including seed selection, treatment, storage, multiplication, and distribution.

ACS Style

Ronnie Vernooy; Bhuwon Sthapit; Gloria Otieno; Pitambar Shrestha; Arnab Gupta. The roles of community seed banks in climate change adaption. Development in Practice 2017, 27, 316 -327.

AMA Style

Ronnie Vernooy, Bhuwon Sthapit, Gloria Otieno, Pitambar Shrestha, Arnab Gupta. The roles of community seed banks in climate change adaption. Development in Practice. 2017; 27 (3):316-327.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ronnie Vernooy; Bhuwon Sthapit; Gloria Otieno; Pitambar Shrestha; Arnab Gupta. 2017. "The roles of community seed banks in climate change adaption." Development in Practice 27, no. 3: 316-327.

Original paper
Published: 25 February 2017 in Food Security
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An analysis of food crop germplasm flows into and out of Bhutan was carried out to determine the extent of reliance of Bhutanese agriculture on introduced germplasm. Methods used included literature review, key informant interviews, field visits and crop pedigree analysis. Bhutan has been introducing foreign germplasm since the 1960s. By December 2015, about 300 varieties of 46 food crops including several non-traditional crops were introduced. Germplasm sources include CGIAR centres such as IRRI, CIMMYT, ICARDA, and AVRDC and countries such as Bangladesh, India, Japan, Korea, Nepal, and Thailand. Pedigree analysis of rice varieties indicated that 74% of the released varieties originated in other countries. Using imported germplasm, Bhutan has formally released over 180 varieties of cereals, fruits and vegetables. Initially, the germplasm flow was largely unregulated, but the country has been developing formal exchange mechanisms with the creation of the National Biodiversity Centre (NBC) in 1995. Findings point to a strong reliance on external germplasm for the country’s major food crops. International germplasm exchanges will remain important to deal with new environmental and climatic conditions and given the limited national plant breeding capacity. National agricultural policy should give higher priority to collaborative development of new crops in the Himalayan region and beyond.

ACS Style

Mahesh Ghimiray; Ronnie Vernooy. The importance and challenges of crop germplasm interdependence: the case of Bhutan. Food Security 2017, 9, 301 -310.

AMA Style

Mahesh Ghimiray, Ronnie Vernooy. The importance and challenges of crop germplasm interdependence: the case of Bhutan. Food Security. 2017; 9 (2):301-310.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mahesh Ghimiray; Ronnie Vernooy. 2017. "The importance and challenges of crop germplasm interdependence: the case of Bhutan." Food Security 9, no. 2: 301-310.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2016 in Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resources
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ACS Style

Ronnie Vernooy. A Resource Manual for Resilient Seed Systems. Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resources 2016, 29, 442 .

AMA Style

Ronnie Vernooy. A Resource Manual for Resilient Seed Systems. Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resources. 2016; 29 (3):442.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ronnie Vernooy. 2016. "A Resource Manual for Resilient Seed Systems." Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resources 29, no. 3: 442.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2016 in Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resources
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ACS Style

Devendra Gauchan; Bal Krishna Joshi; Sajal Sthapit; Krishna Ghimire; Subash Gautam; Kritesh Poudel; Srijana Sapkota; Sandesh Neupane; Ronnie Vernooy. Post-disaster Revival of the Local Seed System and Climate Change Adaptation: A Case Study of Earthquake Affected Mountain Regions of Nepal. Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resources 2016, 29, 348 .

AMA Style

Devendra Gauchan, Bal Krishna Joshi, Sajal Sthapit, Krishna Ghimire, Subash Gautam, Kritesh Poudel, Srijana Sapkota, Sandesh Neupane, Ronnie Vernooy. Post-disaster Revival of the Local Seed System and Climate Change Adaptation: A Case Study of Earthquake Affected Mountain Regions of Nepal. Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resources. 2016; 29 (3):348.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Devendra Gauchan; Bal Krishna Joshi; Sajal Sthapit; Krishna Ghimire; Subash Gautam; Kritesh Poudel; Srijana Sapkota; Sandesh Neupane; Ronnie Vernooy. 2016. "Post-disaster Revival of the Local Seed System and Climate Change Adaptation: A Case Study of Earthquake Affected Mountain Regions of Nepal." Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resources 29, no. 3: 348.

Journal article
Published: 25 November 2014 in Resources
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Although community-level seed-saving initiatives have existed in many countries around the world for about 30 years, they have rarely been the subject of systematic scientific enquiry. Based on a combination of a literature review and field research, we present a novel comprehensive conceptual framework that focuses on the multiple functions and services provided by community-based seed-saving efforts, in particular community seed banks. This framework is output oriented and complements an input oriented typology of community seed banks presented in 1997. The framework identifies three core functions: conserving genetic resources; enhancing access to and availability of diverse local crops; and ensuring seed and food sovereignty. The framework can be used for analysis of existing seed-saving initiatives and serve as a guide for the establishment of new community seed banks. In addition, it can inform the development or revision of national policies or strategies to support community seed banks. The framework’s utility is illustrated by three case studies of community seed banks in Bangladesh, Guatemala and Nepal.

ACS Style

Ronnie Vernooy; Bhuwon Sthapit; Gea Galluzzi; Pitambar Shrestha. The Multiple Functions and Services of Community Seedbanks. Resources 2014, 3, 636 -656.

AMA Style

Ronnie Vernooy, Bhuwon Sthapit, Gea Galluzzi, Pitambar Shrestha. The Multiple Functions and Services of Community Seedbanks. Resources. 2014; 3 (4):636-656.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ronnie Vernooy; Bhuwon Sthapit; Gea Galluzzi; Pitambar Shrestha. 2014. "The Multiple Functions and Services of Community Seedbanks." Resources 3, no. 4: 636-656.

Articles
Published: 18 November 2013 in International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability
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In the midst of China's agricultural reform, new forms of farmer organization have emerged, some initiated by farmers themselves, but most through government intervention. Based on national survey data complemented by two in-depth case studies of rural cooperatives, an analysis is made of the roles and significance of these new farmer organizations. Chinese rural cooperatives predominantly facilitate economic cooperation and market integration. This is supported by agricultural policies and the Cooperative Law of 2007 oriented towards the commoditization of smallholder farming. There are some cooperatives not primarily motivated by commodity imperatives, but by the fulfilment of agro-ecological and socio-cultural functions. To date, the roles and significance of this non-mainstream type of rural cooperative has not received much attention. If China is to become a ‘green society’ as proclaimed by the government, more attention and support to this type of cooperatives seems warranted.

ACS Style

Yiching Song; Gubo Qi; Yanyan Zhang; Ronnie Vernooy. Farmer cooperatives in China: diverse pathways to sustainable rural development. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability 2013, 12, 95 -108.

AMA Style

Yiching Song, Gubo Qi, Yanyan Zhang, Ronnie Vernooy. Farmer cooperatives in China: diverse pathways to sustainable rural development. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability. 2013; 12 (2):95-108.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Yiching Song; Gubo Qi; Yanyan Zhang; Ronnie Vernooy. 2013. "Farmer cooperatives in China: diverse pathways to sustainable rural development." International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability 12, no. 2: 95-108.

Journal article
Published: 19 August 2013 in Resources
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There is growing recognition that sustainable intensification of agricultural production systems and their successful adaptation to changes in climate will depend upon the improved access to, and use of, genetic diversity. This paper analyzes how the collection, use and distribution of plant genetic resources by the Consortium of International Research Centers of the CGIAR are influenced by international and national policies, treaties and agreements. Some concerns exist among CGIAR scientists about continued access to, and distribution of, plant genetic resources. Study findings point to an increasing influence of international and national policies and legal frameworks on the conservation and use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) by the CGIAR centers and the dissemination of CGIAR-improved germplasm first to partners in agricultural research organizations and then to final users of new plant varieties developed through research partnerships. This situation may, in the longer term, have a serious impact on the utilization of plant genetic diversity to cope with current and predicted challenges to agricultural production and, in particular, climate change.

ACS Style

Isabel López Noriega; Michael Halewood; Gea Galluzzi; Ronnie Vernooy; Enrico Bertacchini; Devendra Gauchan; Eric Welch. How Policies Affect the Use of Plant Genetic Resources: The Experience of the CGIAR. Resources 2013, 2, 231 -269.

AMA Style

Isabel López Noriega, Michael Halewood, Gea Galluzzi, Ronnie Vernooy, Enrico Bertacchini, Devendra Gauchan, Eric Welch. How Policies Affect the Use of Plant Genetic Resources: The Experience of the CGIAR. Resources. 2013; 2 (3):231-269.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Isabel López Noriega; Michael Halewood; Gea Galluzzi; Ronnie Vernooy; Enrico Bertacchini; Devendra Gauchan; Eric Welch. 2013. "How Policies Affect the Use of Plant Genetic Resources: The Experience of the CGIAR." Resources 2, no. 3: 231-269.

Journal article
Published: 13 June 2013 in Resources
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A number of national and international policy processes are underway to allow for the development of sui generis systems to protect local natural and genetic resources and related knowledge about their management, use and maintenance. Despite agreements reached on paper at international and national levels, such as the Nagoya Protocol on access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from their use, and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, progress in implementation has been slow and in many countries, painful. Promising examples from the field could stimulate policy debates and inspire implementation processes. Case studies from China, Cuba, Honduras, Jordan, Nepal, Peru and Syria offer examples of novel access and benefit sharing practices of local and indigenous farming communities. The examples are linked to new partnership configurations of multiple stakeholders interested in supporting these communities. The effective and fair implementation of mechanisms supported by appropriate policies and laws will ultimately be the most important assessment factor of the success of any formal access and benefit sharing regime.

ACS Style

Ronnie Vernooy; Manuel Ruiz. Access to and Benefit Sharing of Plant Genetic Resources: Novel Field Experiences to Inform Policy. Resources 2013, 2, 96 -113.

AMA Style

Ronnie Vernooy, Manuel Ruiz. Access to and Benefit Sharing of Plant Genetic Resources: Novel Field Experiences to Inform Policy. Resources. 2013; 2 (2):96-113.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ronnie Vernooy; Manuel Ruiz. 2013. "Access to and Benefit Sharing of Plant Genetic Resources: Novel Field Experiences to Inform Policy." Resources 2, no. 2: 96-113.

Articles
Published: 13 May 2013 in Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems
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China does not have an agricultural biodiversity policy. Given the significant size and importance of the country's agricultural resource base, the elaboration of a specific institutional framework for agricultural biodiversity could be instrumental to harmonize the many different and sometimes overlapping or conflicting policies and laws that at present impinge on it. Based on three field experiences, recommendations are made to elaborate a more supportive institutional framework, covering, in particular, recognition, rights, roles, responsibilities, mechanisms, and incentives for community-based and collaborative efforts and innovations concerning in situ conservation of agricultural biodiversity as well as crop improvement.

ACS Style

Ronnie Vernooy; Yiching Song; Zongwen Zhang; Jingsong Li; Lijun Liu; Christine Martins; Tianbao Qin; Fuyou Wang; Dayuan Xue; Yayun Yang; Shihuang Zhang; Xiaoyong Zhang. Developing an Agricultural Biodiversity Policy for China. Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems 2013, 37, 1078 -1095.

AMA Style

Ronnie Vernooy, Yiching Song, Zongwen Zhang, Jingsong Li, Lijun Liu, Christine Martins, Tianbao Qin, Fuyou Wang, Dayuan Xue, Yayun Yang, Shihuang Zhang, Xiaoyong Zhang. Developing an Agricultural Biodiversity Policy for China. Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems. 2013; 37 (9):1078-1095.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ronnie Vernooy; Yiching Song; Zongwen Zhang; Jingsong Li; Lijun Liu; Christine Martins; Tianbao Qin; Fuyou Wang; Dayuan Xue; Yayun Yang; Shihuang Zhang; Xiaoyong Zhang. 2013. "Developing an Agricultural Biodiversity Policy for China." Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems 37, no. 9: 1078-1095.

Original articles
Published: 01 January 2004 in International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability
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Today, less than 3% of the 250,000 plant varieties available to agriculture are in use. Sources of (agricultural) biodiversity are under threat and disappearing in many regions. Increasing industrialisation of agriculture and top-down agricultural research have contributed to this dependence on a relatively few plant varieties. This article argues that new approaches to agricultural development research are needed to conserve agricultural diversity, improve crops, and produce food of quality for all. Such an approach should enable small farmers on marginal lands to participate as equal partners alongside agricultural scientists, fairly sharing their know-how, expertise and seeds. Three case studies illustrate how farmers and plant breeders are working together in a diversity of agro-ecological, socio-economic and political contexts to put these new approaches into practice. New forms of collaboration are producing an increase in diversity and a number of promising improved varieties in terms of yields, agronomic traits and taste. These varieties are showing better adaptation to the local environmental conditions without requiring extra external inputs. Long-term success requires that these efforts be backed up by supportive policies, by actions to ensure that policies are implemented, and where necessary by related legislation.

ACS Style

Ronnie Vernooy; Yiching Song. New Approaches to Supporting the Agricultural Biodiversity Important for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability 2004, 2, 55 -66.

AMA Style

Ronnie Vernooy, Yiching Song. New Approaches to Supporting the Agricultural Biodiversity Important for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability. 2004; 2 (1):55-66.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ronnie Vernooy; Yiching Song. 2004. "New Approaches to Supporting the Agricultural Biodiversity Important for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods." International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability 2, no. 1: 55-66.