Georgia: local and natural crop varieties make a comeback to combat climate change

As a result of the UNDP supported GEF funded project Recovery, Conservation and Sustainable Use of Georgia’s Agrobiodiversity, Georgia’s lost agrobiodiversity  has been brought back from the brink. Though covering a relatively small surface area, Georgia harbors over 350 local species of grain crops, more than 100 species of seed and stone fruit-trees, nuts and wild berries, and 500 local varieties of grapes – many of which are no longer farmed. Some of these unique species are considered landraces, which are varieties that developed primarily through natural processes, as opposed to selective breeding; landraces tend to be more genetically diverse – a feature that farmers value highly in the changing climate.

Launched in 2004 and closed in 2010, the project promoted the reintroduction and sustainable use of the country’s unique genetic heritage by improving access to seed stock and planting material; providing extension services to farmers; and facilitating experience-sharing among farmers, research stations, and other stakeholders. Implemented by UNDP and executed by the Local Biological Farming Association Elkana, the project has established a seed multiplication system to encourage local farmers to join the agrobiodiversity programme. By 2009, local farmers had started using 28 landraces and varieties (52% of all known for Georgia) for subsistence production, and commercial farmers had begun growing seven landraces (13% of all). These revived landraces and local varieties are more resistant to droughts, pests, and harsh winters – a boon to subsistence and commercial farmers alike.

Since the start of the project, participating farmers and cooperatives have confirmed higher incomes from trading their harvests and seeds. On the local market, farmers are now selling six revived native legume crops to retailers, with a 10% premium over the common beans widely grown and imported into Georgia. For the last three years, the volume of sales has been almost doubling every year and new markets are opening up in neighbouring Azerbaijan. While sale revenues for the farmers are on the rise, further financial returns are gained through almost zero application of chemical fertilizers. These benefits are expected to make the revival of forgotten crop varieties and landraces long-lasting.