Neglected and Underutilized
Species Community

Side Event: 28 April 18.20-20.00

Chair: Stefano Padulosi

Various certification schemes exist to indicate to consumers that a product was generated through specific environmentally and/or socially responsible ways, including organic, fair trade, humane society certifications for livestock products, etc. These labels raise consumer awareness for specific issues in agricultural production and allow them to vote for improved production practices, often paying a price-premium. In addition to greater income, farmers can benefit from positive effects on their social and ecological environment that are promoted by the certification system.

While several environmental issues (e.g. use of chemical inputs and canopy cover for bird conservation) are addressed by existing labels, current schemes do not adequately or explicitly address the conservation of agricultural biodiversity. This workshop will explore two options to address this gap: 1) creating a new label that indicates products were produced from threatened plant (and possibly livestock) genetic resources by custodian farmer communities; and 2) integrating on-farm conservation into existing certification systems.

The format will involve a short introduction to the topic, followed by breakout discussions to explore the pros and cons of both approaches. In the end, groups will come together to summarize the discussions.

This is an open event for the participants of the Conference "Agrobiodiversity to manage risks and empower the poor". Any participant who wishes to attend is welcome. We specifically request participation from the following: