stories from the April 2020 issue of FRESH
Scanning the core
A closer look at a special collection of Capsicum could reveal important crop characteristics not visible to the human eye. New instruments make it possible.
Build diverse food systems for post-COVID-19 world
The crisis underlines three important points: the importance of science and innovation; the vulnerability of billions of people at the bottom of the pyramid; and the need for more diversified, nutritious, and resilient food systems.
Diversify diets, strengthen communities
How growing and eating vegetables changes lives and livelihoods in Cameroon’s Far north region.
Above the Circle
Another shipment of precious WorldVeg vegetable seed made the long trek beyond the Arctic Circle for safekeeping in the Global Seed Vault. DG Marco Wopereis was the courier.
Vegetable seed in the spotlight
The Africa Vegetable Breeding Consortium highlighted at the 2020 African Seed Trade Association Congress.
Asia-Pacific seed trade reeling from COVID-19 lockdown
Severe restrictions on the movements of people and goods imposed in recent weeks are having widespread negative effects on the seed industry in the Asia-Pacific region with international seed trade particularly affected, a survey of seed companies finds.
Diets in a time of coronavirus: Don’t let vegetables fall off the plate
Vegetables are a key source of essential nutrition and play a crucial role in healthy diets. Jody Harris, the World Vegetable Center's Lead Specialist for Food Systems, explains that vegetable production, trade and consumption are particularly affected by COVID-19 because of their highly seasonal nature, high labor needs, perishability, and the need for good storage and distribution logistics—with significant implications for nutrition security.
Cultivating a taste for traditional African vegetables
Omari Hamisi uses a proven marketing method to develop a customer base for his vegetable crops in Pemba.
Dr. Ramakrishnan (Ram) M. Nair: New Leader for Agricultural Development in South and Central Asia
Experienced legume breeder to guide operations in the region.