Markets for products issued from farmer varieties/seed can be created and/or supported in various ways. Integrating traditional food crops and farmer varieties into public procurement programmes may strengthen and diversify production systems of small scale farmers and result in healthier diets for consumers.

Such programmes may target community catering, including school meals, and/or food distribution schemes for vulnerable population groups, including women and men, children and youth. They are often established for the mid- or long-term, with funds provided by national or sub-national governments; local organizations, including NGOs, may be involved in the implementation. Public procurement programmes can have sustainable impacts by stimulating demand, fostering cooperation between actors and securing markets for local PGRFA and derived products. Not only locally produced food but also seed of local and farmer varieties may be included, thus offering additional sources of income and contributing to a wider use of local PGRFA in farmers’ fields.

National and subnational governments may also contribute indirectly to creating and/or stimulating markets for products issued from farmer varieties/seed, e.g. by reviewing or lifting regulations that hinder their wider use, by providing infrastructures, or by facilitating collaboration among the market partners.

Example(s) of possible measures:

  • Public procurement of farmers’ seed varieties for food programmes (Brazil/Latin America and the Caribbean). Click here
  • Building food sovereignty based on local community food sources (Indonesia/Asia). Click here