How can local under-utilised varieties of perennial crops be attractive and profitable for farmers? Report on activities of the EU Cap Focus Group

The report presents the findings of the EU CAP Network Focus Group (FG) on ‘Local perennial plant genetic resources in view of climate change and biodiversity loss’. The aim was to explore how the conservation and use of local under-utilised varieties of perennial crops can be attractive and profitable for farmers and thereby contribute to biodiversity-friendly sustainable farming under climate change. The issues addressed included the benefits of local varieties, challenges and opportunities for farmers, innovative practices in different pedo-climatic zones, valorisation pathways, capacity-building needs, research gaps, and ideas for EIP-AGRI Operational Groups.