FARMERS' SEED SYSTEM AND THE INSTITUTIONALISATION OF GENETIC RESOURCE USE AND MANAGEMENT IN AGRICULTURE: A CASE OF SEED SUPPLY FOR LOCAL TRADITIONAL VEGETABLES IN JAPAN
Abstract
Nearly all countries have seed laws and technical regulations to govern their formal seed system, run by formal public organisations and private seed companies, while the role of the farmers' seed system has been marginalised especially in developed countries. Local traditional varieties that are largely taken care of and nurtured by farmers' seed system have also been excluded from the formal seed system. Nowadays, however, it is quite common to see locally-sourced vegetables on supermarket shelves, while an increasing number of consumers visit farmers' market and become aware of local traditional vegetables available only through such channels. It is in this context that many local governments, public agricultural experimental stations, and even private seed companies are becoming interested in the use and management of local traditional varieties of vegetables in Japan. The objective of this paper is to elucidate some characteristics of and factors behind the condition, potentiality and limitations of farmers' seed systems vis-à-vis the expected role of public experimental stations and locally-based seed companies, especially when it comes to the use and management of local traditional vegetables and their genetic resources in Japan. This paper is based on our case studies, in which we conducted some interviews with relevant local actors in addition to literature and statistical surveys.
Origin : Files produced by the author(s)
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