Using local seeds in the Mediterranean

NATAE Practice abstract n. 19: Co-creation and sharing of knowledge. Human and social values. Working Package 7. A NATAE practice abstract is a summary that describes an agroecological practice that can be used as a valuable resource by farmers, researchers, policy makers, and other stakeholders interested in adopting or promoting agricultural practices that contribute to sustainability, productivity, and competitiveness in the agricultural sector. This document explains how local or farmer seeds, adapted over generations to Mediterranean environments, support low-input, resilient agroecological systems. It highlights their role in maintaining genetic diversity, cultural heritage and nutritional quality, while enhancing farmers’ autonomy and income. It describes best practices for harvesting, drying and storing seeds to preserve viability, and emphasizes participatory varietal selection combining farmers’ knowledge and scientific research. Finally, it reviews legal constraints and opportunities, including community seed banks and participatory certification schemes that enable the compliant multiplication and sharing of traditional varieties.