Overview:

Approximately 6 000 of the known 30 000 edible plants have been actively cultivated for human consumption. Of these, fewer than 30 species, of which only a handful are staple food crops, predominate. As the world contends with the challenges of sustainably feeding a growing population amidst escalating climate uncertainties, promoting the role of neglected and underutilized species (NUS) emerges as a critical opportunity to accelerate the transformation towards more sustainable agrifood systems. These species have adapted to diverse ecological niches, often in harsh and marginal environments, equipping them with physiological mechanisms to thrive under adverse conditions with minimal inputs. Traits, such as drought and salt tolerance, heat resistance, pest and disease resistance, and ecological interactions with beneficial soil-borne organisms, plus unique nutritional content, make NUS invaluable genetic resources for climate-resilient crop production. By harnessing the adaptive potential of NUS and integrating them into agrifood systems, farmers, value chain actors and countries can enhance their capacity to cope with climate change and ensure food security and nutrition for present and future generations.

Unfortunately, NUS have not received the required levels of attention by agricultural researchers, plant breeders, seed companies and policymakers. In recent years, however, there has been a resurgence of interest in NUS, as is evidenced though the various initiatives and programs committed to promoting the conservation and sustainable use of NUS to address global challenges and build more resilient and sustainable agrifood systems. This discussion document builds upon the information document on neglected and underutilized crops species presented to the 26th Session of the Committee on Agriculture (COAG) in 2018, and complements the document on rediscovering african foods: Promoting native foods for improved nutrition, health and food security presented during the 33rd Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Africa, held in 2024, and also the awareness raised as a result of the International Year of Millets observed in 2023. This document highlights recent initiatives on the conservation and use of NUS, including the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS), and summarizes areas for future focus, to ensure their potential is realized.

Recommendations:

The Committee is invited to:

a) take note of the potential contribution of NUS in the transformation to more resilient and sustainable agrifood systems;

b) provide guidance on the promotion of NUS at national, regional, and global level, and on FAO’s support to Members, including through the integration of NUS into the implementation of FAO’s thematic strategies, such as the strategy on climate change 2022–2031, the strategy on mainstreaming biodiversity across agricultural sectors and the science and innovation strategy; c) encourage members to increase resilience and better adapt their agrifood systems to climate change through the integration and promotion of NUS into crop production systems; and

d) recommend that members and relevant stakeholders invest in the research and development of NUS and create enabling environments for the strengthening of value chains.