sovereignty

Institutional support of local varieties diminishes, while grassroots networks flourish

Greece is currently facing a severe financial and social shock monopolizing the majority οf the news coming from the country. As yet there is little information circulating regarding the impact on the country's real richness and a national bank of equal importance, the one of its natural genetic resources and its agricultural potentiality. Conservation programs of local varieties have suffered diminution of the official State support, as an impact of budget cuts on public institutes. Nevertheless, support from local initiatives, organizations and individuals interested on preserving agricultural knowledge and seed heritage is on the rise, counteracting to further loss of biodiversity.

A newly awaited revision of EU legislation regarding the seed trade appears to be a real threat to the preservation and trade of local varieties, which culminates even towards banning their use. The proposed rules favor large seed companies through the expansion of intellectual property rights and the promotion of new technologies to control all commercial plant varieties.