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Money given to save genetics of food

Cash injection will safegaurd 21 critical food crops.

Funds have been announced to save 165,000 varieties of 21 food crops, from wheat to potatoes, some of which form the staple diet of people living in developing countries.

Read the story here.

Posted by Nicola Jones on April 20, 2007 02:04 PM |

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This is such a wonderful idea that I hope will extend to the next 100 crops including native American ones such as oca, olluco, mashwa, avocado, guava, sweet sop, squash, agave, and quinoa. I wondered why so few varieties of foods appeared in my store, thanks to the story, I see it is the intent of global marketing!

Posted by: Joe Woodside | April 20, 2007 07:26 PM

"safegaurd"

Does Nature have spellcheck?

Posted by: Stephanie | April 23, 2007 05:31 AM

I think this is great! I was recently visiting my country, Sri Lanka after 6 years and heard my mother complain about all the wonderful varieties of vegetables that are no longer available in the market. For instance, a type of squash that I grew up with is replaced by a variety that can be easily grown but lacks in flavor.

I am sure that Sri Lanka has a very diverse seed bank, but like the article suggests it requires resources to maintain these collections.

Posted by: Anoja Perera | April 24, 2007 04:25 PM

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