The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) released the Third Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (SoW3) on March 24, 2025. The report, based on data from 128 countries, four regional centres, and 13 international research centres, raises concerns over the declining diversity of crops essential for global food security.
Key Findings of the Report
- Over-Reliance on a Few Crops: Despite 6,000 plant species being cultivated worldwide, 60% of global crop production depends on just nine crops: Sugarcane, maize, rice, wheat, potatoes, soybeans, oil palm fruit, sugar beet, and cassava.
- Threats to Farmers’ Varieties and Landraces (FV/LR): 6% of crop diversity is globally threatened.
- Regions with the highest threat to diversity: Southern Africa, the Caribbean, and Western Asia.
- Regions with the least threat: Southern Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
- Concerns in In-Situ (On-Farm) Conservation: 42% of surveyed plant species (taxa) are threatened at either the species or varietal level.
- Challenges in Ex-Situ Conservation: Advances have been made in seed banks and gene banks, but issues like funding, lack of trained staff, and political support still hinder effective conservation.
Why Crop Diversity Matters
- 80% of human food comes from plants, making it crucial to preserve plant genetic diversity.
- Genetic resources support food security by allowing the development of climate-resilient and locally adapted crop varieties.
- These resources are also used for animal feed, medicine, biofuels, clothing, and industrial purposes.
(Sources: Down To Earth and FAO)
