Voluntary Guidelines for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Farmers' Varieties/Landraces

Download Voluntary Guidelines for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Farmers' Varieties/Landraces PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Food & Agriculture Org.
ISBN 13 : 9251316872
Total Pages : 151 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (513 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Voluntary Guidelines for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Farmers' Varieties/Landraces by : Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Download or read book Voluntary Guidelines for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Farmers' Varieties/Landraces written by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and published by Food & Agriculture Org.. This book was released on 2019-08-01 with total page 151 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The cultivation of diverse farmers’ varieties/landraces, which tend to be well-adapted and suited to local production systems, confers increased resilience for crop production. Farmers’ varieties/landraces are also potential sources of traits for crop improvement, especially for developing varieties tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses and for incorporating farmer-preferred traits. Unfortunately, many of these genetic resources have been replaced by modern cultivars in recent decades, resulting in a reduction in the total number of different varieties grown and/or loss of heterogeneity. Such losses make farming systems less resilient, especially to shocks from abiotic and biotic stresses. These guidelines, intended as reference materials for preparing a National Plan for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Farmers’ Varieties/Landraces, will contribute to addressing this continuing loss of diversity. The guidelines are therefore a useful tool for development practitioners, researchers, students and policymakers who work on the conservation and sustainable use of these valuable resources.

Conservation of Biodiversity in the North Eastern States of India

Download Conservation of Biodiversity in the North Eastern States of India PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer Nature
ISBN 13 : 9819909457
Total Pages : 323 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (199 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Conservation of Biodiversity in the North Eastern States of India by : Ramagopal V. S. Uppaluri

Download or read book Conservation of Biodiversity in the North Eastern States of India written by Ramagopal V. S. Uppaluri and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2023-03-23 with total page 323 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume presents part of the proceedings of NERC 2022, with an emphasis on conservation of bio-diversity in North-east India. This is a highly challenging and involved topic due to regionally diverse physiographic, geographical and eco-climatic conditions. Henceforth, systemic and holistic frameworks are required to disseminate upon the potential of science and technology for the conservation of the region’s bio-diversity. Notable among these frameworks refers to plant, microbial and animal bio-diversity conservation, value-added product development and sharing the benefits of such research for the perspective of bio-prospects, analysing critical environmental and climatic factors and their sensitivity upon urbanization strategies. Tools that are to be deployed for such insights involve plant, animal, and microbial bioscience and biotechnology, generalized rules for product design and development and survey based strategies. Addressing relevant competent methodologies and generic pedagogies, this volume on the bio-diversity conservation in North-eastern states of India aims to demonstrate the potential of pragmatic strategies that can be applied for the bio-diversity conservation in any region of world. Thereby, opportunities for nature linked livelihood security can be sought for the long term wellbeing of the humankind and ecology.

FAO publications catalogue 2021

Download FAO publications catalogue 2021 PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Food & Agriculture Org.
ISBN 13 : 9251350892
Total Pages : 130 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (513 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis FAO publications catalogue 2021 by : Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Download or read book FAO publications catalogue 2021 written by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and published by Food & Agriculture Org.. This book was released on 2021-10-19 with total page 130 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This catalogue aims to improve the dissemination and outreach of FAO’s knowledge products and overall publishing programme. By providing information on its key publications in every area of FAO’s work, and catering to a range of audiences, it thereby contributes to all organizational outcomes. From statistical analysis to specialized manuals to children’s books, FAO publications cater to a diverse range of audiences. This catalogue presents a selection of FAO’s main publications, produced in 2021 or earlier, ranging from its global reports and general interest publications to numerous specialized titles. In addition to the major themes of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, it also includes thematic sections on climate change, economic and social development, and food safety and nutrition.

FAO publications catalogue 2022

Download FAO publications catalogue 2022 PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Food & Agriculture Org.
ISBN 13 : 9251359628
Total Pages : 132 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (513 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis FAO publications catalogue 2022 by : Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Download or read book FAO publications catalogue 2022 written by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and published by Food & Agriculture Org.. This book was released on 2022-04-05 with total page 132 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This catalogue aims to improve the dissemination and outreach of FAO’s knowledge products and overall publishing programme. By providing information on its key publications in every area of FAO’s work, and catering to a range of audiences, it thereby contributes to all organizational outcomes. From statistical analysis to specialized manuals to children’s books, FAO publications cater to a diverse range of audiences. This catalogue presents a selection of FAO’s main publications, produced in 2021 or earlier, ranging from its global reports and general interest publications to numerous specialized titles. In addition to the major themes of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, it also includes thematic sections on climate change, economic and social development, and food safety and nutrition

Ecosystem-Based Adaptation

Download Ecosystem-Based Adaptation PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Elsevier
ISBN 13 : 0128156910
Total Pages : 702 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (281 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Ecosystem-Based Adaptation by : Arvind Kumar

Download or read book Ecosystem-Based Adaptation written by Arvind Kumar and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2022-02-16 with total page 702 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Ecosystem-Based Adaptation: Approaches to Sustainable Management of Aquatic Resources presents a close examination of the role of ecosystem-based adaptation in managing river basins, aquifers, flood plains and their vegetation to provide water storage and flood regulation. Furthermore, the book explores improved ecosystem-based services for managing floods, conservation of water and its resources (including watersheds), avoiding water scarcity, and ensuring long-term water security planning, all in the context of sustainable development goals. This book will help scientists pave the way for easy implementation of sustainable development goals, ensuring a secure and sustainable future. Presents information in an easy-to-follow manner using tables, figures and graphs where applicable, along with case studies from all continents Provides a reference for experts to use as an authoritative source to support environmental action and regulation Delineates the role of ecosystem-based adaptation in sustainable management and in the restoration of watershed forests and wetlands

Guidelines for the establishment and management of seed testing laboratories

Download Guidelines for the establishment and management of seed testing laboratories PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Food & Agriculture Org.
ISBN 13 : 9251378835
Total Pages : 132 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (513 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Guidelines for the establishment and management of seed testing laboratories by : Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 

Download or read book Guidelines for the establishment and management of seed testing laboratories written by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations  and published by Food & Agriculture Org.. This book was released on 2023-06-19 with total page 132 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This Joint ISTA and FAO Handbook provides comprehensive guidelines for the setting up and managing of seed testing laboratories, including those that cater to small- and medium-scale seed enterprises and farmers’ cooperatives, which operate in low input production systems. The adherence to the guidelines by seed testing laboratories results in the use of uniform procedures across the board thereby facilitating inter-laboratory transferability of data. This harmonization enhances confidence in seed quality assurance mechanisms. The publication is an update of a previous one that was also jointly published by both organizations in 1969 and revised in 1979 and 1983. Its utility is enhanced by a set of new up-to-date information that builds upon existing data. The Handbook provides guidance on the range of seed testing equipment, procedures, and management systems that have become available in the several decades since the previous editions. Seed testing is a critical component of the seed value chain and is essential for the production of quality seeds, i.e. seeds that are alive, can germinate and produce vigorous seedlings; are healthy and come from lots that meet set thresholds for genetic and analytical purity. The Handbook covers all aspects of seed testing, from laboratory design and equipment selection to sample preparation, testing methods, and data analysis. Importantly, the publication also addresses the challenges of testing seeds in low input systems and provides guidance on how to adapt procedures to these settings. Therefore, it serves as a reference material and training resource for everyone involved in seed quality assurance procedures, in particular the personnel of seed testing laboratories and regulatory agencies; seed producers and farmers. The updated publication represents a significant improvement over previous guidelines, as it incorporates advances in technology and provides guidance on a broader range of testing procedures. The guidelines are designed to be adaptable to different contexts and seed types and include recommendations for quality management systems, proficiency testing, and inter-laboratory comparisons, which are essential for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of seed testing results.

Wild Food Plants for Zero Hunger and Resilient Agriculture

Download Wild Food Plants for Zero Hunger and Resilient Agriculture PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer Nature
ISBN 13 : 9811965021
Total Pages : 393 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (119 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Wild Food Plants for Zero Hunger and Resilient Agriculture by : Ajay Kumar

Download or read book Wild Food Plants for Zero Hunger and Resilient Agriculture written by Ajay Kumar and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2023-04-03 with total page 393 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The edited volume brings out a comprehensive collection of information relevant to wild food plants, their importance for global sustainable food security, future-readiness, and resilient agriculture. The book's primary focus is to cover topics on the diversity of wild food plants across the globe, their nutraceutical importance, production-consumption trends, integration into the current food menu, and marketing and livelihood opportunities to the indigenous people. Sustainable development goals 1, 2, and 3 are significant for a poverty-free, hunger-free world and ensure good health and wellbeing of the people, respectively. The three goals are important and interlinked as achieving zero poverty will help reduce hunger among the people. Availability of nutritional and balanced food ensures good health. Wild food plants are an essential part of a nourishing and healthy diet for indigenous communities. They are globally collected from natural habitats or cultivated at more minor scales. Although consumed locally, they are an essential part of the diets of tribal and indigenous communities worldwide and hold immense potential to alleviate global hunger. Considering their importance for global sustainable food security, it is essential to clearly understand the future role of wild food plants for future readiness and resilient agriculture. Therefore, this book provides a piece of important information on these aspects. The book is a valuable resource for the audience ranging from undergraduate science students to the NGOs and institutions involved in poverty alleviation programs, policymakers, dieticians, horticulturists, plant breeders, farmers, health experts, and food enthusiasts.

Local Food Plants of Brazil

Download Local Food Plants of Brazil PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer Nature
ISBN 13 : 303069139X
Total Pages : 420 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (36 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Local Food Plants of Brazil by : Michelle Cristine Medeiros Jacob

Download or read book Local Food Plants of Brazil written by Michelle Cristine Medeiros Jacob and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2021-06-03 with total page 420 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: There has been growing academic interest in local food plants. This is a subject that lies at the frontiers of knowledge of various areas, such as environmental sciences, nutrition, public health, and humanities. To date, however, we do not have a book bringing these multi-disciplinary perspectives to bear on this complex field. This book presents the current state of knowledge on local Brazilian food plants through a multidisciplinary approach, including an overview of food plants in Brazil, as well as comprehensive nutritional data. It compiles basic theories on the interrelationship between biodiversity and food and nutrition security, as well as ethnobotanical knowledge of local Brazilian food plants. Additionally, this title provides various methods of learning and teaching the subject, including through social media, artificial intelligence, and through workshops, among others.

Fruit and vegetables

Download Fruit and vegetables PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Food & Agriculture Org.
ISBN 13 : 9251342385
Total Pages : 196 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (513 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Fruit and vegetables by : Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Download or read book Fruit and vegetables written by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and published by Food & Agriculture Org.. This book was released on 2021-09-20 with total page 196 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book will convince the reader to care about fruit and vegetables and to see that the small-scale production of these crops is fundamental to achieving sustainable development goals. In five chapters, the reader will learn about the challenges and rewards for producers, sellers, and consumers. Chapter 1: a working definition for fruit and vegetables, making the case for supporting small-scale farmers and value chains. Chapter 2: options for farm management to ensure that production is sustainable including genetic resources, seed systems, management of water, soil, nutrients, and control of pests and diseases. Chapter 3: options to integrate small-scale commercial fruit and vegetable farmers into socially inclusive value chains, including innovative post-harvest handling services, market linkages, and reducing food loss and waste. Chapter 4: options for practitioners and policymakers at different governmental, institutional and social levels to promote the sustainable production and consumption of safe, nutritious, and affordable fruit and vegetables. Chapter 5: key interventions and innovations to facilitate the sustainable production of fruit and vegetables in low- and middle-income countries across the world. This publication takes readers on a journey introducing them to a diverse array of fruit and vegetables through colorfully illustrated studies from around the world. It justifies the importance of these crops and it encourages readers to take an active role both in promoting fruit and vegetable production and in encouraging more people to eat them.

The role of genetic resources for food and agriculture in adaptation to and mitigation of climate change

Download The role of genetic resources for food and agriculture in adaptation to and mitigation of climate change PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Food & Agriculture Org.
ISBN 13 : 9251360804
Total Pages : 174 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (513 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The role of genetic resources for food and agriculture in adaptation to and mitigation of climate change by : Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Download or read book The role of genetic resources for food and agriculture in adaptation to and mitigation of climate change written by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and published by Food & Agriculture Org.. This book was released on 2022-04-21 with total page 174 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As the pace of climate change is increasing, it is more important than ever to conserve, characterize and sustainably use genetic resources for food and griculture. Over millennia farmers, livestock keepers, fisherfolk and forest dwellers have adapted their production systems to changing environmental conditions, relying on genetic resources for food and agriculture. However, these resources are still not receiving the attention they deserve given their enormous importance. The main focus of this study is the state of current use of genetic resources in climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. Each chapter explores the impacts of climate change on genetic resources and also considers the significance of genetic resources to climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Agricultural Biotechnology, Biodiversity and Bioresources Conservation and Utilization

Download Agricultural Biotechnology, Biodiversity and Bioresources Conservation and Utilization PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : CRC Press
ISBN 13 : 1000550923
Total Pages : 491 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (5 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Agricultural Biotechnology, Biodiversity and Bioresources Conservation and Utilization by : Olawole O. Obembe

Download or read book Agricultural Biotechnology, Biodiversity and Bioresources Conservation and Utilization written by Olawole O. Obembe and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2022-05-10 with total page 491 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book covers a range of important topics on crop and animal genetics, breeding and genomics, as well as biodiversity and genetic resources conservation and utilization reflecting three thematic sections of working groups of the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria. The topics range from agricultural biotechnology, including genetically modified organisms and gene-editing for agronomically important traits in tropical crops, to Nigeria’s mega biodiversity and genetic resources conservation. This book will engender a deeper understanding of underpinning mechanisms, technologies, processes and science–policy nexus that has placed Nigeria as a leader in biotechnology in Africa. The book will be useful reference material for scientists and researchers working in the fields of food and agricultural biotechnology, bioinformatics, plant and animal genetics, breeding and genomics, genetic resources conservation and enhancement. Emphasizes recent advances in biotechnologies that could ameliorate the high-level global food and nutrition insecurity through plant and animal genetics, breeding, as well as genomics Provides detailed information towards harnessing indigenous bioresources for food and nutrition security and climate change adaptation Introduces new frontiers in the area of genomics, most especially their relevant applications in crop and animal breeding Reviews biotechniques that could enhance plant genetic resources conservation and utilization Discusses current biotechnological approaches to exploit genetic resources including the development of synthetic hexaploid wheat (SHW) for crop adaptation to the increasingly changing global climate

Community Seed Banks

Download Community Seed Banks PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Routledge
ISBN 13 : 1134608608
Total Pages : 323 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (346 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Community Seed Banks by : Ronnie Vernooy

Download or read book Community Seed Banks written by Ronnie Vernooy and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2015-05-15 with total page 323 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

The Second Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

Download The Second Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Food & Agriculture Org.
ISBN 13 : 9251065349
Total Pages : 399 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (51 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The Second Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture by : Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Download or read book The Second Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture written by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and published by Food & Agriculture Org.. This book was released on 2010-01-01 with total page 399 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Plant genetic resources provide a basis for food security, livelihood support and economic development as a major component of biodiversity. The Second Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture demonstrates the central role plant genetic diversity continues to play in shaping agriculture growth in the face of climate change and other environmental challenges. It is based on information gathered from Country Reports, regional syntheses, thematic studie s and scientific literature, documenting the major achievements made in this sector during the past decade and identifying the critical gaps and needs that should urgently be addressed. The Report provides the decision-makers with a technical basis for updating the Global Plan of Action on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. It also aims to attract the attention of the global community to set priorities for the effective management of plant genet ic resources for the future. Purchase a print copy.

Participatory Research and On-farm Management of Agricultural Biodiversity in Europe

Download Participatory Research and On-farm Management of Agricultural Biodiversity in Europe PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : IIED
ISBN 13 : 1843698099
Total Pages : 106 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (436 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Participatory Research and On-farm Management of Agricultural Biodiversity in Europe by : Michel P. Pimbert

Download or read book Participatory Research and On-farm Management of Agricultural Biodiversity in Europe written by Michel P. Pimbert and published by IIED. This book was released on 2011 with total page 106 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

The Economics of Managing Crop Diversity On-farm

Download The Economics of Managing Crop Diversity On-farm PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Routledge
ISBN 13 : 1136537686
Total Pages : 156 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (365 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The Economics of Managing Crop Diversity On-farm by : Edilegnaw Wale

Download or read book The Economics of Managing Crop Diversity On-farm written by Edilegnaw Wale and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2012-06-25 with total page 156 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The purpose of this book is to assess a variety of economic issues as they relate to agro-biodiversity and show how addressing these issues can assist in agro-biodiversity policy-making. This is illustrated using empirical data from some of the countries (Ethiopia, Nepal and Zambia) which are part of the Genetic Resources Policy Initiative. The empirical chapters apply the relevant economic methods, including regression analysis, choice experiments, hedonic pricing, contingent valuation and farm business income analysis. The authors discuss the economics of managing crop diversity on-farm in the context of crop variety attribute preferences, farmers' perception of agro-biodiversity loss, and value addition and marketing of the products of traditional crop varieties. The case studies include detailed analysis of traditional varieties of groundnut, maize, rice, sorghum, and teff. The results are relevant not only to GRPI countries but also to other countries concerned with the sustainable utilization of these resources. Overall, the studies illustrate how genetic resources issues can be integrated into rural development interventions.

Plant Genetic Resources and Food Security

Download Plant Genetic Resources and Food Security PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Routledge
ISBN 13 : 1136536833
Total Pages : 362 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (365 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Plant Genetic Resources and Food Security by : Christine Frison

Download or read book Plant Genetic Resources and Food Security written by Christine Frison and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2012-06-25 with total page 362 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) is a pivotal piece of recent legislation, providing a route map for the use of such resources for sustainable agriculture and food security. Plant Genetic Resources and Food Security explains clearly the different interests and views at stake between all players in the global food chain. It touches upon many issues such as international food governance and policy, economic aspects of food and seed trade, conservation and sustainable use of food and agricultural biodiversity, hunger alleviation, ecological concerns, consumers' protection, fairness and equity between nations and generations, plant breeding techniques and socio-economic benefits related to food local economies. The book shows that despite the conflicting interests at stake, players managed to come to an agreement on food and agriculture for the sake of food security and hunger alleviation in the world. Published with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and with Bioversity International.

Farmers' Crop Varieties and Farmers' Rights

Download Farmers' Crop Varieties and Farmers' Rights PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Routledge
ISBN 13 : 1136537538
Total Pages : 406 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (365 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Farmers' Crop Varieties and Farmers' Rights by : Michael Halewood

Download or read book Farmers' Crop Varieties and Farmers' Rights written by Michael Halewood and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2016-03-21 with total page 406 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Over the last 50 years there has been a growing appreciation of the important role that farmers play in the development and conservation of crop genetic diversity, and the contribution of that diversity to agro-ecosystem resilience and food security. This book examines policies that aim to increase the share of benefits that farmers receive when others use the crop varieties that they have developed and managed, i.e., ‘farmers varieties’. In so doing, the book addresses two fundamental questions. The first question is ‘how do farmer management practices – along with other factors such as environment and the breeding systems of plants – affect the evolution and maintenance of discrete farmers’ varieties?’ The second question is ‘how can policies that depend on being able to identify discrete plant varieties accommodate the agricultural realities associated with the generation, use and maintenance of farmers’ varieties?’ This focus on discreteness is topical because there are no fixed, internationally recognized taxonomic or legal definitions of farmers’ varieties. And that presents a challenge when developing policies that involve making specific, discrete farmers’ varieties the subject of legal rights or privileges. The book includes contributions from a wide range of experts including agronomists, anthropologists, geneticists, biologists, plant breeders, lawyers, development practitioners, activists and farmers. It includes case studies from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe where, in response to a diversity of contributing factors, there have been efforts to develop policies that provide incentives or rewards to farmers as stewards of farmers’ varieties in ways that are sensitive to the cultural, taxonomic and legal complexities involved. The book situates these initiatives in the context of the evolving discourse and definition of ‘farmers' rights’, presenting insights for future policy initiatives.