Celebration Meets Urgency at Latest Seed Vault Opening in Svalbard

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault welcomed over 21,000 new seed samples from 20 genebanks worldwide, including first-time deposits from the Philippines and Peru. This 68th deposit brings the total collection to 1.38 million samples, reinforcing global efforts to safeguard crop diversity against climate change and crises. Major contributors included the Philippine Rice Research Institute, sending 4,000 rice varieties; the World Vegetable Center, with 3,000 […]
Recognising Food as Culture, Heritage, and Identity at IGCAT’s 1st World Gastronomy Summit

Food at the Heart of Culture and The Cultural Value of Food were the key themes explored at the 1st World Gastronomy Summit, held at the Palau de Pedralbes in Barcelona. The event was organised by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) and generously hosted by the Government of Catalonia, World […]
Crop Trust Webinar Explores the Role of Genebanks in Strengthening Food Systems

The critical role of genebanks in reviving crop diversity, reconnecting farmers with underutilized crop varieties, and strengthening local food systems was the subject of the webinar Connecting Genebanks with Farmers and Communities – Restoring Crop Diversity for Resilient Food Systems, hosted by IGCAT with guest speakers from recent partner, Crop Trust, a leading international non-profit […]
Showcasing Seeds: The Aesthetic of Diversity

Original author: Crop Trust Swiss author, landscape architect, and photographer Jonas Frei, unveils the hidden beauty of seeds through his striking photography. His work bridges art and conservation, revealing the immense diversity and potential contained within these tiny life carriers. Describing seeds as “a dormant intermediate generation,” Frei is captivated by their forms, colors, and […]