| Name: | Description: | Size: | Format: | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 57.73 KB | Adobe PDF |
Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Based on different experiences and informal networks, we describe and explore the
relationships between formal and informal seed systems in the North of Portugal, and discuss how such
an interaction may be of interest to create new farmers opportunities, to improve conservation
strategies and to promote local knowledge and cultural diversity.
The Portuguese Gene Bank (BPGV), located in Braga (North-western Portugal), conserves 42203
accessions of traditional varieties in ex-situ conditions, that are the result of multiple activities
undertaken all over the country with farmers' participation and commitment.
BPGV together with the association “ARDAL” promoted on farm conservation of some crops, like maize,
rye and beans, and two of these produces are in the Arch of Taste of SLOW FOOD Foundation.
“Joaquim Dantas”, a farmer from the Portuguese north-western mountains, is an example of farmers'
fundamental role in conserving and use agricultural biodiversity. He partnered in a project led by the
BPGV to promote on-farm conservation and use of crop diversity. Then he reintroduced maize landraces
into cultivation and led different initiatives to bake particular maize bread highly demanded.
“Colher para semear” is another association seeking to establish a Portuguese network of landraces.
They are community seed savers and their project focus on gathering seeds and registering knowledge
and practices aiming to reintroduce them into cultivation while sharing resources, promoting biodiversity
and ecological production, cultural heritage, generational transmission and food supplies.
The research project “Cultibos, Yerbas i saberes” carried out in Miranda do Douro, North-eastern
Portugal, reports and documents local knowledge on traditional crops, homegardens and wild gathering.
Using ethnobotanical methodologies, several former crops, whose seeds are still kept by some old
farmers, were identified. The project promotes seed exchange and cultivation, providing valuable
insights into old crops and more seeds to share between neighbours.
Description
Keywords
Portuguese ethnobotany TEK Cultural landscape Natural protected areas Parque Natural de Montesinho Parque Natural Douro Internacional
Citation
Carvalho, Ana Maria; Frazão-Moreira, Amélia (2012). Gathering tradition, sowing the future! Some examples linking formal and informal seed systems from the North of Portugal. In 13th Congress of the International Society of Ethnobiology. Montpellier
Publisher
Agropolis International