From the start of the project, all partners were involved in developing common definitions, a toolkit to foster multi-actor research in agrobiodiversity and an overarching framework for multi-actor research (WP1). Throughout the project, a wide range of aspects and perspectives from the natural and social sciences were integrated. DIVERSIFOOD provided a working definition of “underutilised crop” to drive the experimental work (WP2) . DIVERSIFOOD created a knowledge basis on about 15 species through (i) a documentation work on underutilised species in given contexts, (ii) a distribution of genetic resources to real communities in all partner countries to multiply, describe and evaluate the useful variation, and (iii) exploring the potential of underutilised genetic resources to design successful mixed cropping systems. During the project, new participatory methods well adapted for decentralized on farm breeding (WP3), were developed and tested to create new diversified populations based on an increased use of genetic resources adapted to the local context and to users involved (farmers, breeders, processors, consumers). An open-source statistical toolbox (PPBStats) was released alongside decision tools to select the appropriate methods in each situation. More than 120 improved populations of bread wheat, durum wheat, einkorn, barley, maize, faba bean, white lupin, tomato, onion and carrots, with new or specific quality traits, were developed, some of which are now already used by farmers.
DIVERSIFOOD has described the complexity of relationships within seed systems (WP4). DIVERSIFOOD facilitated cooperation between multi-actor and participatory research networks and advocated to promote, sustain and maintain diverse and sustainable seed systems. Going beyond the dichotomy between formal and informal seed systems, DIVERSIFOOD focused on the diversity of actors and on facilitated flows of germplasm and knowledge amongst them, also through modelling approaches. Community seed banks (about 80) and civil society organisations from Spain, France, Italy, Austria and Switzerland, were studied and surveyed about their involvement in diversity management. Several workshops with international institutions, discussing these data, have produced a set of recommendations to increase the awareness of key policy makers on the importance of biodiversity management.
Investigation of the market potential for diverse food (WP5) based on 11 case studies, analysis of the label concept and new communication tools, a representative consumer survey in four countries, and the close exchange among the involved partners allowed identifying the most appropriate valorisation strategies for biodiverse food. The approach covered the whole supply chain and included the identification of needs and expectations of breeders, farmers, processors and consumers. Key success factors and bottlenecks in the valorisation of biodiverse food informed a set of policy recommendations.
The consortium developed easy-to-understand documents to be spread online and during public events (WP6). DIVERSIFOOD has published a valuable amount of accessible publications, including seven Booklets, three reports and 24 Innovation Factsheets. Several booklets are available in different languages (English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese).
DIVERSIFOOD placed a specific focus on learning methods and on the active involvement of stakeholders in public events such as farm days, workshops and trainings. These events played a key role in the communication strategy toward partners’ networks, whereas the EU Forum in Brussels mainly addressed policy makers and NGOs, and the final Congress addressed the scientific community and sister projects.
