In situ landraces: best practice evidence-based database
A tool for promoting landrace conservation

In recent years, the market of ‘Aglione della Val di Chiana’ has been quickly growing both locally and nationally. The landrace is commercialised as row product (i.e. bulbs and cloves) or also as processed products such as ready-to-use sauces, creams, and jams.

Many local restaurants use ‘Aglione della Val di Chiana’ for the preparation of a typical main course: the so-called ‘Pici all’Aglione’.

The interest on the landrace also caught the attention of the other European and non-European markets. The product has been recently exported in USA and Japan.

This landrace has been recognized as ‘Prodotto Agroalimentare Tipico’ (PAT, litteraly Typical Food Product) by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry through the technical support of Regione Toscana. The PAT recognition is based on evidence that demonstrate the use of a landrace (or a processed foodstuff) in a certain area for at least 25 years.

In recent years, ‘Aglione della Val di Chiana’ also caught the interest of the ‘Slow Food’ foundation that included it into a group of products called ‘the Ark of Taste’; this initiative aims at drawing attention on products at risk of extinction by inviting people to take action in order to protect them.

Currently, ‘Regione Toscana’, within the EU’s Rural Development Plan 2014-2020, funded an historical research and morpho-phenological and genetic characterisation of the landrace in order to include it on the ‘Registro regionale delle varietà locali’ (Regional register of landraces) of Toscana Region. This activity is foreseen in the implementation of the Tuscany Region Law (n. 64, 1997) which is aimed at safeguarding and promoting the cultivation of local genetic resources).

The ‘Almagro’ eggplant is marketed canned in different sizes and has an important local market. However, it is also frequent to find it in many supermarkets in several parts of the country, including the center of Spain and some parts of the rest of Spain where a large immigration from the Center of Spain took place in the 1960s to 1980s, such as Barcelona or Valencia. The pickled ‘Almagro’ eggplant is mostly used as starter or for eating informally as tapas. More recently, some farmers are also exploring the possibility of marketing the fruits for the fresh fruit market, as they have a distinctive fruit morphology.

Obtaining the PGI status in 1994 (http://www.cerespain.com/berenjena-de-almagro-reglamento.html) certainly added a considerable value to the ‘Almagro’ landrace, as costumers have a guarantee of quality and a protection against fakes (Hurtado et al., 2014). Up to now, the ‘Almagro’ eggplant is the only eggplant in Europe having a PGI or PDO status. The fact that ‘Almagro’ is, among the eggplant varieties, one with the highest content in phenolics has also contribute to adding value to this variety, as the high content in these antioxidants is used in advertisements.

‘Fava Santorinis’ has a yellowish colour and flattened discoid shape with a diameter of about 2 mm and a maximum humidity of 13%. Its composition is characterized by a particularly high percentage of proteins and increased carbohydrate content. The traditional method of production which includes drying under the sun and ripening and the physicochemical characteristics of fava make it easily boiled (shorter cooking time is required) and ultimately add to the cooked Fava of Santorini and other dishes in which it is used, unique organoleptic characteristics, such as velvety texture and slightly sweet taste. It is used as appetizer, main or side dish. Undoubtedly, even today, it plays an important role in the gastronomic identity of the island and in the Mediterranean diet, as well.

Till recently it had a rich, local niche market due to the limited production. Hence, steps are made to increase the production and the promotion of the product to other European and non-European markets and the market for fava was expanded the last years, while people from all over the world can by on-line all the products of the Union of Santorini Cooperatives from its e-shop. Most of the farmers sell the products by the Union of Santorini Cooperatives or other private companies who are responsible for the packing and the labeling.

The unique ecosystem that was created by the volcanic explosions on Santorini island, the volcanic ash, the barren, sandy soil, and the resilience of the plant to poor drainage lands, humidity created by the sea, drought, heavy winds and its adaptability to the volcanic soil of the island make it a resource with an important agronomic and commercial value and optimal organoleptic qualities.

In 2010 ‘Fava Santorinis’ was registered into the European Catalogue of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) products (EC No: EL-PDO-0005-0520-09.01.2006) following the COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs. The PDO ‘Fava Santorinis’ offers high income to growers since it is four to five times more expensive than regular ‘Fava’ coming from fava beans (Vicia faba) or from peas (Pisum sativum) locally called ‘arakas’. Furthermore, other cultivated Fabaceae such as V. faba subsp. major (cultivated for food) and subsp. minor (cultivated for feed) also called Fava, frequently could mislead the consumers. The same is true for peas whose seed products are locally called ‘arakas’ and for other Lathyrus spp.

For this reason, in 2012, the School of Agriculture of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the Institute of Agrobiotechnology of the Centre of Research and Technology Hellas suggested a method using HRM (High resolution Melting) coupled with universal chloroplast DNA barcoding regions (Bar-HRM) in order to distinguish legume species (four Lathyrus, two Vicia and two Pisum species which potentially could be used as adulterants in ‘Fava Santorinis’ commercial products) and moreover to authenticate ‘Fava Santorinis’ commercial PDO products (Ganopoulos et. al. 2012).

The Agronomy Institute at Orkney College UHI has been working since 2002 with Orkney growers and potential market collaborators to conserve this particular landrace. The department is led by Dr Peter Martin, whose efforts have established a local supply chain that feeds into a few breweries, distilleries, and bakeries, thus stimulating the production of 60 tons or more a year of bere (Uhi.ac.uk, 2019; Martin and Chang, 2007). This has been achieved by identifying relevant market outlets and capitalizing on interest in ‘traditional’ food products.

Barony mill, a 19^th century water mill, has also contributed to the preservation of bere and bere cultivation practices as it ensures the growing of around 50 acres to provide grain for milling processes, and then sells the meal to bakeries and meal products to tourists.

Bere barley is registered as a conservation variety in the European Common Catalogue of Conservation Varieties and is also of interest in the Slow Food movement (Food Safety - European Commission, 2019; Slow Food in the UK, 2019). In order to encourage the cultivation and promote bere on the local market, Peter Martin of the Agronomy Institute at Orkney College UHI have been working with growers and market collaborators since 2002 to stimulate interest and have successfully seen a rise in numbers of products created and sold with bere as a component. In addition to this, Barony Mill contracts out the growing of around 50 acres and mills the grain produced, selling the meal to bakeries and meal products to tourists visiting the mill.

‘Bocskor’ landrace has no market presence in the area, although with better consumer consciousness, and local markets it can find its proper place that its flavour deserves in the near future.

It is a very productive, tasty and resistant landrac.

Mainly grown as a garden crop by private individuals all over Switzerland, however some farmers of Bosco Gurin still cultivate this variety at small scale for the local market. ‘Bosco Gurin’ is an important ingredient in a traditional vegetable soup made from local vegetables called ‘Måtzufåmm. The soup and the ‘Bosco Gurin’ variety are celebrated at the yearly village festival taking place in September.

The turnip ‘Bosco Gurin’ is said to be only growing well and to its excellent taste in the village of Bosco Gurin. The turnip landrace makes for an important part of the village’s heritage.

There is a growing market for ancient cereals, and Bözöd einkorn as a traditional variety is among the most successful ones.

There are some efforts done to register Bözöd einkorn as a landrace, which was not successful until now.

‘Broccolo fiolaro di Creazzo’ has a rich local market. However, no official data is available on the market price and the overall turnover.

This landrace has been also recognized as ‘Prodotto Agroalimentare Tipico’ (PAT, literally Typical Food Product) by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry through technical support of Region Veneto. The PAT recognition is based on evidences that demonstrate the use of a landrace (or a processed foodstuff) in a certain area for at least 25 years.

In recent years, ‘Broccolo Fiolaro’ also caught the interest of the ‘Slow Food’ foundation that included it into a group of products called ‘the Ark of Taste’; this initiative aims at drawing attention on products at risk of extinction by inviting people to take action in order to protect them.

The cultivation methods and phases, that were part of the local oral tradition, were formalised into written guidelines that farmers need to endorse in order to be part of the agricultural society. The above-mentioned agronomical practices are analogous to the ones used under organic farming systems and thus constitutes an additional value for the final product.

Finally, FIOI Società Agricola Produttori del Broccolo Fiolaro di Creazzo recently implemented a website in which an important section reports useful information on the landrace (http://www.broccolofiolaro-fioi.it/).

As conservation is only carried out by DSA3_UNIPG the landrace does not have a local nor national market.

ND.

From 2011, in Massalombarda a festival dedicated to Buco Incavato is organized annually, during the harvest (from 15^th to 30^th of august). During the festival all farmers can sell their products. Before 2011, farmers used to sell directly on farm or in local and/or niche markets. From 2019 Slow Food organization supported and promoted farmer production.

From 2015, Buco Incavato is included in the Emilia Romagna Region Register of ‘Safeguard of agricultural genetic resources’ and it is included among the list of ‘typical regional product’:

https://agricoltura.regione.emilia-romagna.it/agriturismo-agricultura/temi/agrobiodiversita/repertorio-delle-risorse-genetiche/repertorio-delle-risorse-genetiche

From 2019 Buco Incavato is listed among ‘Slow Food Presidia’.

If there is any market for this landrace, at the moment is very small, it’s mainly grown for own consumption, by hobby gardeners. The landrace is best used for fresh consumption, the storability and processing experiments were giving poor results, therefore we suppose it’s mainly suitable for home production and for local farmers’ markets.

‘Cegléd’ is registered as conservation variety in the European Common Catalogue of Conservation Varieties following the Commission Directive 2008/62/CE of 20 June 2008.

There is a good market for asparagus product, both to private persons as to restaurants. We have not gone out to the broad public yet.

It has a good strong taste, if this is an added value to you. It offers conservation and genuine story telling.

The 'De Penjar' landrace is commercialized as trusses, as well as in different formats and types of containers. Between the 90 and 95% of the Valencian 'De Penjar' tomato production goes to the market of Catalonia and the Balearic Islands. Currently there is an upward trend of the growing surface, and the cultivation in greenhouses is starting in Alcalà de Xivert to allow provide the product to Catalonia during all the year.

From the mid-20th century to the present, the cultivation of tomato 'De Penjar' has been acquiring a traditional character that, together with the artisanal care of the growers and the geological and climatological peculiarities of the Valencian growing areas, has managed to differentiate substantially this tomato from those that are produced in our country. This raised the interest of the consumers and marketers of Catalonia from the second half of the 80s, reaching nowadays to absorb the Catalan market almost the total production of tomato 'De Penjar' produced in Valencia.

The ‘Associació de Productors i Comercialitzadors de Tomata de Penjar d’Alcalà de Xivert’ was established in 2007 with the aim of revalorizing this tomato landrace. In its effort to preserve the traditional farming, create a brand and thus open new markets, this association got in 2008 the Quality Mark CV (Valencian Community) for the ‘Tomata de Penjar d’Alcalà de Xivert’. This mark, granted by the local Valencian Government, contributed to the valorization of this product. In addition, the uniqueness of this tomato is recognized and its quality is authenticated, as well as its traditional production and its ecological value (Escrivá et al., 2010). This Association (https://tomatadepenjar.com/es) carry out several activities for the promotion, mainly through agro-food fairs and the organization of a specific fair on ‘Tomata De Penjar d’Alcalà de Xivert’. Also, through this Association, some collaborations with the Universitat Politècnica de València have been established to undertake breeding programs and design new agro-food products (Figás et al., 2018; Pereira et al., 2018).

ND.

Fodder beets are not common anymore, so it is important for general public to know it. It is an authentic feed plant for museums and for farm animal conservation, much better than silage. Formerly, beets were used for syrup production.

If there is any market for this landrace, at the moment is very small; it’s mainly grown for own consumption, by hobby gardeners. The landrace is best used for fresh consumption, the storability and processing experiments were giving poor results, therefore there are evidences that this landraceis mainly suitable for home production and for local farmers ‘markets.

‘Fadd’ is registered as conservation variety in the European Common Catalogue of Conservation Varieties following the Commission Directive 2008/62/CE of 20 June 2008.

The initial promotion of research and of farmer awareness triggered a virtuous process of conservation. The area under cowpea cultivation increased which in turn significantly increased the income of the farmers who cultivated the crop. The market price for the landrace increased (in the main regional province, Perugia) from 6 euro/kg in 1994 to the present 20-22 euro/kg.

The landrace is included into the Regional Register of Landraces, implementing the Umbria Region Law concerning the protection of local genetic resources (n. 25, 2001).

In order to encourage the cultivation of ‘Fagiolina del Lago Trasimeno’, a request for the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) label has been promoted. ‘Fagiolina del Lago Trasimeno’ also caught the interest of the Slow Food movement which included it among its ‘presidia’, and, within a few years, it became a must in many top restaurants, even outside the region Umbria.

It has a rich, local niche market due to its smooth, doughy taste and very limited production. Most of the farmers sell the products directly or by using local distributors. While the market for ‘Fagiolo a Pisello’ could be expanded, no territorial or quality brand has been adopted until now.

In 2005 ‘Fagiolo a Pisello’ was included into the Regional Register of Genetic Resources of Lazio Region (Italy) following the implementation of the Lazio Region Law (n. 15, 1^st March 2000 (http://www.arsial.it/arsial/wp-content/uploads/page/n.1-legge-regionale.pdf) which is aimed at safeguarding and promoting the cultivation of local genetic resources.

Currently, the cultivation of ‘Fagiolo di Camerata’ is carried out by locals who produce limited amounts, only for their home consumption. Initiatives are needed to promote the landrace on local and national markets.

In recent years, in order to valorise the product, the local association named ‘Verdetodi’ has been promoting the use ‘Fagiolo di Camerata’ during their annual event ‘Todi Fiorita’, that takes place in the historical centre of Todi (Perugia) every year in mid-May. The valorisation is carried out by favouring local market and by providing people information on the traditional cultivation; indeed, the main scope of ‘Verdetodi’ is to valorise green culture in all its aspect by promoting sustainable environmental and agricultural practices.

In 2018 ‘Fagiolo di Camerata’ was included into the Regional Register of Landraces (Umbria Region, Italy), implementing the Umbria Region Law concerning the protection of local genetic resources (n. 25, 2001).

From 1978, through the annual event ‘Sagra del Fagiolo’, the association ‘Pro Loco Cave’ increased year by year the local market potential and the general interest on the landrace. In fact, for this event beans are processed according to traditional recipes that valorise the peculiar culinary features of the bean

The landrace is included into the Regional Register of Landraces, implementing the Umbria Region Law concerning the protection of local genetic resources (n. 25, 2001). This landrace has been also recognized as ‘Prodotto Agroalimentare Tipico’ (PAT, literally Typical Food Product) by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry through the technical support of Regione Umbria. The PAT recognition is based on evidence that demonstrate the use of a landrace (or a processed foodstuff) in a certain area for at least 25 years. The PAT recognises both ‘Fagiolo verdino di Cave’ and ‘Fagiolo giallo di Cave’.

‘Pro loco Cave’ (http://prolococave.it/, Perugia, Italy) is a local association of the district of Cave (Foligno, Perugia, Italy) whose main aims are: i) cultural enhancement, ii) valorisation of territory and landscape, iii) heritage preservation and iv) development of good territorial practices. The association has been involved for decades in the valorisation, preservation and promotion ‘Fagiolo di Cave’. Throughout the past 25 years, Pro-Loco Cave favoured the traditional cultivation of the landrace and created an annual event (http://prolococave.it/sagra/) to promote the product. Currently, the association holds the brand ‘Fagiolo di Cave’ and carries out coordination activities favouring the networking among the producers.

In order to favour conservation and to valorise diversity, the collective brand ‘Fagiolo di Cave’ was registered for two types of Cave’s beans: the light green and the yellow one.

The cultivation methods and procedures, that were part of the local oral tradition, were formalised into written guidelines that farmers need to endorse in order to use the brand. The above-mentioned agronomical practices are analogous to the ones used under organic farming systems and thus constitutes an additional value for the final product.

Finally, Pro-Loco Cave recently implemented a website in which an important section reports useful information on the product and the annual event (http://prolococave.it/sagra/).

It has a rich, local and national market due to its unique taste, texture, nutritional value and boiling quality. Although production is low, the demand is high. The distribution of Englouvi's lentils takes place after its harvest each July to August. Usually all the production is sold immediately as it has been already sold out due to huge demand before finishing the harvest. The lentils are sold only in bulk with the kilogram and in a high price. The consumers can buy ‘Faki Eglouvis’ directly from the producers at the village of Eglouvi or they can order on-line from the farmer's websites or by sending an e-mail.

Every year on the 6th of August, the lentils festival takes place. The inhabitants and the farmers celebrate their local production, and ‘Faki Eglouvis’ is cooked and served to the visitors of the plateau.

In 2006 ‘Faki Eglouvis was registered into the catalogue of extensive crops threatened by genetic erosion and funded under Measure 3.8 of Axis 3 ‘Agro-environment measures’ of the Agricultural Development Programme 2000-2006 following the implementation of the Common Ministerial Desicion 620/135644/06-07-2005 (Ministerial Desicion 218151/23-06-2006, Governmental Gazette 823/4-7-2006).

Isolation of the island and the special plateau microclimate may have contributed to the development of a distinct genetic background of the landrace that merits further study. ‘Faki Eglouvis’ is a landrace cultivated for a long time in an isolated area, with no purposeful admixture of the planting material with other varieties, which enjoys high market value and appreciation by consumers, but is frequently adulterated and downgraded in the market. The unique characteristics such as the great taste and high nutritional value of ‘Faki Eglouvis’ increased the consumers’ interest that in combination with the low crop yield formed a high market price. (Tsanakas et al. 2018).

Local income from this LR can be estimated around 250,000 €. Nowadays, the ‘Monteleone di Spoleto’ emmer has undergone a successful marketing strengthening thanks to some farmers’ initiatives. In October 2002 seven local farmers constituted themselves into the ‘Association of Monteleone di Spoleto Emmer’.

The landrace is included into the Regional Register of Landraces, implementing the Umbria Region Law concerning the protection of local genetic resources (n. 25, 2001).

The ‘Monteleone di Spoleto’ emmer also holds the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) label and represents a good example of successful use of territorial labels for the promotion of a product obtained from a landrace.

In order to encourage the cultivation and promote ‘Fava Cottora dell’Amerino’ on the local market, the association named ‘Pro Collicello’ established a gastronomic festival in which the landrace is used to prepare diverse curses, according to local traditional recipies. The event take place every year in the municipality of Collicello (Terni, Italy).

As ‘Fava Cottora dell’Amerino’ is included among the ‘Slow Food presidia’, both local and national markets are growing even if the production is still limited.

The ‘Fava Cottora dell’Amerino’ caught the interest of the Slow Food movement which included it among its ‘presidia’ in 2010.

The unique natural environment, help to create ideal soil and climatic conditions, making it possible to grow a top quality product that is increasingly sought after on the Greek market.’Fava Feneou’ has a rich local and national market due to its quality. Most of the farmers sell the product directly and the price is lower than other fava products. Recently actions were taken from the Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Kiato for the promotion of the product with the participation in food exhibitions and other events but the competition in the market is high. The reputation of ‘Fava Feneou’ is confirmed by historical and bibliographical references, the use of the name on packaged products found on the market, articles in local and national newspapers, media broadcasts and material found on the internet, mainly relating to food and tourism, etc.

In 2016 ‘Fava Feneou’ was registered into the European List of Protected Designation of Origin products (EC No: EL-PGI-0005-01339-26.05.2015) following the COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs and No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21^st November 2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffes (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52016XC0505(01)&from=EN). As a consiquence all stages of the production process from cultivation (preparing the ground, sowing, irrigation, application of fertilizer, weed control, plant protection) to harvesting and drying the product, as well as collecting the seed for the following year's crop, must take place within the defined geographical area and the packaging bears the words ‘Fava Feveou’ PGI and all the necessary information according to the EU and national law.

The soil and climatic conditions in the Feneos area, the unique natural environment, the use of traditional cultivation methods, which have remained virtually unchanged for decades, as they still do things in the traditional way (e.g. weeding and harvesting mainly by hand) and the growers' knowledge and experience of exactly when to harvest the product, the rigorous selection of the seeds to safeguard the purity of ‘Fava Feneou’, are the factors that determine the product's specific characteristics and its superior quality. The protein, carbohydrate and plant (dietary) fiber content, characteristics make ‘Fava Feneou’ a specific, highly nutritious food for human consumption. Besides, all the local and cultural events that have taken place and continue to date in the area of Feneos and Stymphalia are closely related to the product.

Much of the production is sold directly to restaurants where it is used as an accompaniment to grilled meats or in traditional dishes. Another part is transformed into sterilized preserves or sold in markets, previously cooked. Due to the ease of identification of the seed, its promotion is based on the objective description of its sensory quality and on the way to recognize the highest quality beans (the most curved ones). At the same time, tests have been carried out to study the effects of the environment on the sensory value of the seed. Since one of the main problems of the Ganxet bean is its difficulty in obtaining sterilized preserves (a high percentage of the seeds is broken during sterilization), more suitable areas have been identified for obtaining seed for conservation (clay soils), and others more suitable for obtaining seed intended for cooking without sterilization (soils with a certain proportion of sand). This environmental differentiation is being used to explain the singularities of each terroir within the PDO, something similar to what has been done for years with other products such as wine.

The Ganxet bean has historically been recognized for its sensory characteristics and has reached a high market price. This fact, linked to its low productivity compared to other varieties of indeterminate growth that are cultivated in the area, facilitated all kinds of tricks (mixtures, using other slightly hooked varieties such as White Kidney, etc.) to increase profits. These manipulations, often carried out by intermediaries, misled the new consumers in the 80s of the past century with an uncontrolled market and little information. The achievement of the PDO in the year 2011 (http://agricultura.gencat.cat/ca/ambits/alimentacio/distintius-origen-qualitat-agroalimentaria/dop/productes-reconeixement-comunitari/mongeta-ganxet/) clearly separated the guaranteed material, with high sensory quality of the material not guaranteed. Like any new development, the implementation of the PDO regime has been slow, and the secondment of new farmers also. Most of them that have particular customers well consolidated, are reluctant to join the PDO. Currently, the market already clearly recognizes the PDO material and, as indicated above, some areas adjacent to the first protected area are in the process of being added to the geographical labelled product. Both, raw beans and processed beans, that carry the DOP label achieve prices that are clearly higher in the market. The high protein content of Ganxet (up to 28%) means also an important added value for the diet.

Today, the cultivation of pepper to produce ‘Mpachovou’’ pepper (spice) is scattered in many villages of Almopia Municipality. However, the increased demand for local quality products creates the conditions for growing the crop acreage and developing the marketing of the product. Few farmers, also, grow organically and allocate products to the organic niche markets.

Every year, in the village of Garefi, there is an annual festival and local gastronomy events, while in regional exhibitions the product is reappearing.

In 2006 ‘Mpachovou or Karatzovas’ pepper was registered into the catalogue of extensive crops threatened by genetic erosion and funded under Measure 3.8 of Axis 3 ‘Agro-environment measures’ of the Agricultural Development Programme 2000-2006 following the implementation of the Common Ministerial Desicion 620/135644/06-07-2005 (Ministerial Desicion 218151/23-06-2006, Governmental Gazette 823/4-7-2006).

In 2018, an application was made to the Variety Research Institute of the Cultivated Plants of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food for the registration of ‘Glikokafteri Mpachovou’ in the Catalogue of Conservation Varieties according to the EC Recommendation 2008/62/EU of the 20^th June 2008 (L 162)’.

‘Gniff’ is still very much appreciated on the local market in the Malcantone region. Thanks to the cooperation between Coop and ProSpecieRara, ‘Gniff’ is in discussion for sales in bigger Coop Supermarktes throughout Switzerland. Furthermore, it can be found on farmers’ markets all over Switzerland.

During the European project DIVERSIFOOD, the Gniff carrot and deriving breeding lines were tested for their taste characteristics in collaboration with chefs. A rather rustic taste of low sweetness, with spicy, herbal, earthy flavors was attested to the line of the original Gniff. Due to the genetics from modern varieties, the newly developed breeding lines were rather sweet, but otherwise a bit shallow. Chefs therefore preferred the taste properties of the original Gniff. As such, taste breeding goals of the new lines were defined rather close to the original landrace.

‘Grütt’ is marketed locally in the Seeland region of the Canton Bern mainly by organic farmers which obtained the tubers directly from the ‘Grütt’ farm. Additionally, some farmers even deliver tubers of the landrace to supermarket chains. However, the landrace’s name is probably never communicated with the produce, as the crop in general is not well known to consumers, and therefore the variety’s name is not very important to marketing.

ND.

If there is any market for this landrace, at the moment is very small, it’s mainly grown for own consumption, by hobby gardeners. The landrace is best used for fresh consumption, drying and juice making. The productivity is reasonably low, therefore there are evidences that this landrace is mainly suitable for home production and for local farmers’ markets.

‘Gyöngyös’ is registered as conservation variety in the European Common Catalogue of Conservation Varieties following the Commission Directive 2008/62/CE of 20 June 2008.

While rye does contain gluten, it can be tolerated by some people with a wheat allergy (Pietzak, 2012). This makes rye flour an attractive alternative for those who cannot consume products made with flour derived from wheat. In addition, there is evidence suggesting that consuming rye bread in place of wheat bread decreases the postprandial insulin response (Leinonen et al., 1999). There is also consumer interest in rye bread simply due to its earthy flavour and unique texture.

Rye is a relatively little-known landrace with a small market appeal. There is potential to improve this appeal by highlighting nutritional benefits of this grain and establishing potential commercial partnerships between landrace growers and breweries, distilleries, and bakeries.

Other than the Scottish Landrace Protection Scheme established by SASA in 2006, there does not currently appear to be any other projects directly supporting rye cultivation.

Due to the marginal cultivation area only some kilos of yield have been sold so far. However, since 2018 an artisan bakery has tested to bake a speciality rye bread to buy from their bakery cafe. (Hermanni farmer interview 2018).

‘Hermanni’ is registered in Finland as a conservation variety in the European Common Catalogue of Conservation Varieties (EU Plant variety database 2019) in 2016 (Finnish Plant Variety Journal 2019). The modified DUS-test is done during the registration process.

Among the rye conservation varieties in Finland ‘Iivo’ has the largest cultivation area. In North Carelia region it is considerably comparative compared to modern rye varieties.

Its seed is produced under the certified seed lot standards in Finland. Seed testing of conservation varieties is preceded as same manner as for normal certified seed lots including field inspection and laboratory analysis. Also the prices of inspections and analyses are the same as for normal seed lots. If the seed lot meets the standards set for conservation varieties it can approved for marketing in Finland. Seed bags need to labelled. In 2018 it has permission for seed production in 12 ha area. (Finnish Food Authorities 2019).

‘Iivo’ is registered in Finland as a conservation variety in the European Common Catalogue of Conservation Varieties (EU Plant variety database 2019; Finnish Plant Variety Journal 2019). The modified DUS-test is done during the registration process. The official variety trials for three years have been done (Kangas et al 2002).

Main yield is used for seed and home consumption, small amount of grain is sold for consumers who bake traditional rye bread. A few farmers have cultivated it some years but have quitted because of low yields. Forays with a local bakery have dwindled to low profitability. (Joppe farmer interview 2018).

‘Joppe’ is registered in Finland as a conservation variety in the European Common Catalogue of Conservation Varieties (EU Plant variety database 2019; Finnish Plant Variety Journal 2019). The modified DUS-test is done during the registration process.

It has an on growing, local organic niche market due to its special taste, rich dietary properties and limited production. Most of the farmers sell the products directly at organic folk or farmers' markets or by using local distributors. Dehulling and processing is a quite costly task which raises cost production and final prices to end users. Some of the farmers use self-invented dehulling equipment and mill the grain at local traditional water mills of the area of Aridaia of Municipality of Almopia. While the market for ‘Kaploutzas’ could be expanded, no territorial or quality brand has been adopted until now.

In 2006 ‘Kaploutzas’ was registered into the catalogue of extensive crops threatened by genetic erosion and funded under Measure 3.8 of Axis 3 ‘Agro-environment measures’ of the Agricultural Development Programme 2000-2006 following the implementation of the Common Ministerial Desicion 620/135644/06-07-2005 (Ministerial Desicion 218151/23-06-2006, Governmental Gazette 823/4-7-2006).

In 2018, an application was made to the Variety Research Institute of the Cultivated Plants of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food for the registration of the landrace in the Catalogue of Conservation Varieties according to the EC Recommendation 2008/62/EU of the 20^th June 2008 (L 162)’. The above actions aim to the protection of ‘Kaploutzas’ from genetic erosion and its utilization to less fertile, severe pedoclimatic or low input conditions.

White clover is mostly used as a forage crop, as it is very nutritious and high in protein. It fixes nitrogen in surrounding soils and adds protein to any grass species it is grown with (Wilman and Hollington, 1985). It also has an important role in phytomanagement of metal polluted sites. The root system of the plant takes up metals such as zinc, lead and cadmium (Bidar et al., 2007).

Alongside traditional uses for clover, there are several alternative benefits from cultivating it. It can be grown and left on fields as green manure, with all of the accumulated nitrogen in the plant being returned to the soil (Ten Holteand Van Keulen, 1989). This could be achieved by cutting the clover crop periodically throughout the growing season and leaving cuttings as mulch. The benefits from the mulch would be in addition to nitrogen fixing, soil quality improvement, and the prevention of soil erosion that is normally associated with this crop.

There is also a small market for food products derived from clover landraces such as Kent Wild White Clover. Clover flowers are very important for honeybees and honey production (Parente and Frame, 1993).

This landrace does not appear on any common plant variety registers, having been deleted from the European Union plant variety database in 2013 (Ec.europa.eu, 2019). It is considered to be of Least Concern on the ICUN Red List, but this assessment was last reviewed in 2010 (IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, 2019).

The market of ‘Kremmydi Thespion’ is mostly local and national. The landrace is commercialised as row product (i.e. sets, bulbs and onions). They use it for the preparation of typical greek dishes, such as ‘Stifado’. The main concern of the farmers now is to find ways to increase the attention of the other European and non-European markets. Most of the farmers sell the products using distributors (personal communication with Panagiotis Dritsas, representative of the Agricultural Cooperative of Thespies and farmer).

Each summer, the ‘Onion Festival’ is the most important cultural event. All actors are involved and the participation of people is wide. The traditional onion-based dishes (‘stifatho’, pies, etc.) are served to everyone’.

In 2016, an application was made from the Agricultural Cooperative of Thespies to the Variety Research Institute of the Cultivated Plants of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food for the registration of the onion in the Catalogue of Conservation Varieties according to the EC Recommendation 2008/62/EU of the 20^th June 2008 (L 162)’. Recently it was accepted and it resulted as the first Greek registered landrace in the Catalogue.

Until the 1980s the ‘Küttiger Rüebli’ was mainly marketed locally in Küttigen and surroundings. With the beginning of commercialisation of seeds by Sativa Rheinau after 1999, the interest has grown at a national level, nowadays it can even be found in bigger Supermarkets throughout Switzerland. The landrace is primarily marketed as a raw product although it can sometimes be found pickled or dried the traditional way on farmers’ markets or in local shops. Local restaurants serve the pickled ‘Küttiger Rüebli’ together with a white sauce, black pudding and liver sausages or with apple slices.

In order to promote and maintain the ‘Küttiger Rüebli’ and other local carrot varieties on the local market and as traditional varieties, a commission established the ‘Aarauer Rüeblimärt’ (Aarauer carrot market) where the ‘Küttiger Rüebli’ still is sold by the Countrywomen’s Association Küttigen (Landfrauenverein Küttigen). The event takes place in Aarau every year on the first Wednesday of November. The ‘Küttiger Rüebli’ has been recognised as part of the ‘Culinary heritage of Switzerland’.

‘Laaer Zwiebel’ are sold directly and traded nationally and internationally.

‘Laaer Zwiebel’ is one product supported by GENUSS REGION ÖSTERREICH (The ‘Austrian Region of Enjoyment’) which is a protected brand of the AMA (Austrian Market Organisation and Paying Agency for Agriculture and Rural Development) and of the Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism. Its aim is to promote regional food products of Austria. A ‘Laaer Zwiebel’ festival takes place once a year in Laa/Thaya.

Four Bavarian and seven Austrian bakeries currently process ‘Laufener Landweizen’ in their enterprises and produce bread and other pastries which in average have a 15-20 % higher price than other organic bread from the region. The Austrian bakeries united under ‘BioBrot Salzburg’ and exchange their knowledge in product development.

In fields of ‘Laufener Landweizen’ a slightly higher biodiversity and frequency of herbs could be found in comparison to other organically produced wheats, related to the reduced sowing density and the higher plants.

Its cultivation is in regression, maintained by very few farmers for family consumption. The ‘Sociedad Cooperativa Andaluza La Verde’ (Cooperative Society of Andalucía) of Villamartín keeps it on the farm and sells seeds and buds.

It is a very popular lettuce, especially for its flavour and texture.

Grey peas have been out of fashion for a long time. The new Nordic food movement has called for renewed interest in this species. Grey peas have been involved in research projects and trials to regain lost and develop new knowledge on the crop.

Legumes are becoming more used for home cooking, as vegetarian protein source, and some high-end restaurants use them as a speciality. ‘Lollandske rosiner’ has this characteristic slight bitter taste, which to some people are more attractive compared to the commercial very sweet pea.

If there is any market for this landrace, at the moment is very small, it’s mainly grown for own consumption.

‘Máriapócs’ is registered as conservation variety in the European Common Catalogue of Conservation Varieties following the Commission Directive 2008/62/CE of 20 June 2008.

It is manly produced for own consumption, but it has It has a small local niche market (direct selling from home or on farmers’ market) due to its taste and thin skin.

Resistance, productivity and taste.

In recent years the market of ‘Mascina di Montepulciano’ grown quickly both locally and nationally. The fresh fruits are characterised by a very short shelf-life that does not allow their distribution and commercialisation. Thus, fruit of this landrace are mainly processed to produce jams.

‘Mascina di Montepulciano’ has been recognized as ‘Prodotto Agroalimentare Tipico’ (PAT, litteraly Typical Food Product) by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry through the technical support of Regione Toscana. The PAT recognition is based on evidences that demonstrate the use of a landrace (or a processed foodstuff) in a certain area for at least 25 years.

If there is any market for this landrace, at the moment is very small, it’s mainly grown for own consumption, by hobby gardeners. The landrace is best used for fresh consumption, the storability and processing experiments were giving poor results, therefore there are evidences that this landrace is mainly suitable for home production and for local farmers’ markets.

‘Mátrafüred’ is registered as conservation variety in the European Common Catalogue of Conservation Varieties following the Commission Directive 2008/62/CE of 20 June 2008.

Currently, no local or national market exists as the production of ‘Mela a Sonagli’ is carried out by few farmers/gardners, conserving 1-2 individuals, for their family consumption.

In 2014 ‘Mela a Sonagli’ was included into the regional register of landraces (Umbria Region, Italy) implementing the Umbria Region Law concerning the protection of local genetic resources (n. 25, 2001).

Currently, no local or national market exists as the production of ‘Mela Conventina’ is carried out by few farmers/gardeners, conserving few individuals. By the way, in the next few years the market of ‘Mela Conventina’ will have the possibility to grow as a local apple producer recently planted an orchard using this landrace.

In 2013 ‘Mela Conventina’ was included into the Regional Register of Landraces (Umbria Region, Italy), implementing the Umbria Region Law concerning the protection of local genetic resources (n. 25, 2001). Fruits of Mela Conventina are characterised by good storability.

Currently, DSA3_UNIPG sells Mix48 seed under the frame of COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION of 18 March 2014 (see details under ‘Access to Resource’). Seed request mostly come from organic farmers seeking for ‘diverse’ materials that can suit their low input, often variable cultivation environments. It is difficult to foresee which will be its future market, initial data are encouraging.

Farmers mostly cultivate Mix48 for feed use, some are experimenting the population for other purposes (beer).

Several experimental activities were carried out by DSA3_UNIPG to assess potential performances of Mix 48 and to consequently promote its use.

Multi-environmental trials carried out in low input and organic systems for four successive years with controls by DSA3_UNIPG, showed that Mix48 population often out-yielded lines recently developed for ‘conventional’ management and showed higher stability. As such Mix48 was recommended for use in Central Italy under organic and low-input management systems.

Presently DSA3_UNIPG is also evaluating the suitability of Mix 48 in the production of beer (chemical characteristics, malting ability and taste of the beer obtained from it.

The ‘Morada de Morella’ lettuce is marketed in fresh by growers in local markets. In this sense it can be difficult to find it in large supermarkets. Old growers often grown this variety for self-consumption. Recently, different research groups have carried out collection expeditions of this varietal type, as well as its characterization to determine the properties that can contribute to an enhancement of their crop and therefore its conservation 'on farm' (Figás et al., 2017)

The Universitat Politècnica de València has been extensively working during the last five years on the collection of traditional lettuce varieties and, more specifically, on the 'Morada de Morella' type. These works have been done in collaboration with the team of the Experimental Agrària de Carcaixent Station of the Generalitat Valenciana, led by D. Josep Roselló Oltra. Likewise, work is being done on the chemical characterization of this variety in order to determine which qualities can contribute to valorize this varietal type and therefore to enhance its conservation and cultivation.

Despite the pride and popular support that this vegetable has in the area, fewer and fewer people keep it in their family gardens and it is in regression. Currently there are few Morcín farmers who maintain this landrace. However, its cultivation is being introduced in other circuits. Small professional organic farmers from outside the council and new inhabitants of the Asturian rural world are betting on keep this variety in their gardens, which is having a great acceptance by consumers who buy it from new farmers.

This turnip has a tender texture flesh and thin skin. Its flavor is very pleasant and slightly sweet. Its aroma is also very soft and light. This landrace is very popular and valued in the area, since it is the main ingredient of the stewpot of turnips, emblematic dish of Morcín, forming part of its cultural heritage.

Successful cooperation allowed the market of ‘Nostrano di Storo’ to grow exponentially. In particular, the establishment of the Agri 90 cooperative allowed the farmers to have the facility of processing the products and place them on the local and national market. ‘Nostrano si Storo’ is commercialised directly as flour or as ready-to-cook cornmeal mush. The market value is estimated around 2 million euros.

‘Nostrano di Storo’ is registered as conservation variety in the European Common Catalogue of Conservation Varieties following the Commission Directive 2008/62/CE of 20 June 2008.

Flour of ‘Olotillo Blanco’ is used to prepare some typical culinary preparations such as white Mexican tortillas. Its use is common in many areas of Mexico and ‒ thanks to the growing interest on traditional Mexican cuisine worldwide ‒ is also becoming important in other rich markets such as USA. However, due to lack of information, it is not possible to estimate the market value, especially of the material cultivated in the district of Vicente Guerrero (Ocozocoautala, Mexico).

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Although Parli is considered and appreciated as a delicacy due to its chestnut-like flavour, the market is small as prices are high. Due to its rather low yields, small tuber size and difficulty in obtaining potato seeds only few farmers in Switzerland cultivate ‘Parli’ thus creating a limited supply to the market.

Efforts initiated by ProSpecieRara are underway to promote Parli among other potatoes as a speciality for marketing through selected grocery stores and in the top gastronomy. Due to its very rich flavour profile, these potatoes are used as an exclusivity and not only as a staple food.

In the last years Angelica fruits demand is increasing a lot for some reasons: pear varieties in the market are very few and conumers need something different.  Fruit Quality of is very high level and that is appreciate a lot. Demand of local varieties is increasing and not only on farm direct sale but also is supermarkets trends.

Pera Angelica has been included into the regional register of local genetic resources of Emilia Romagna.

One farmer produces ‘Perttuli’ seeds and its yearly seed sale is around 1,500 kilos. The seed production offers significant income to the farm.

It is cultivated for fodder throughout Finland, according to farmer’s estimation in the area of about 500 ha. (Farmer interview 2018; no official statistics of cultivation area). The accepted area of ‘Perttuli’ seed production was 12 ha in year 2018. In 2017 the maximum seed sale amount for the red clover conservation varieties was 2,190 kilos. (Finnish Food Authorities 2019c).

Perttuli’ is registered in Finland as a conservation variety in the European Common Catalogue of Conservation Varieties (EU Plant variety database 2019) in 2002 (Finnish Food Authority 2019c). The modified DUS-test is done during the registration process.

Pollinators are essential for seed production. The farmer co-operates with local honeybee farmers who have 22-26 beehives nearby.  (Farmer interview 2019). According to the Finnish beekeepers union 30% of seed yield in general is due to bee pollinating services.

Until year 2002 the farm had dairy cattle fed only with ‘Perttuli’. The farmer observed some positive effects in cattle health and milk quality compared to the earlier time when cattle was fed with timothy: cattle remained healthier and less problems occurred in gestation; better storage life of milk in the farm milk tank, higher fat content and better fat composition in milk. (Farmer interview 2019).

‘Piparjuuri Vehmaa’ is commercially cultivated by two farmers who sell root crop to wholesale business to be sold as fresh in retail shops in Finland. ‘Piparjuuri Vehmaa’ covers over half of horseradish production in Finland (Finnish Food Authorities 2018). One farmer has developed a special seasonal product of horseradish sauce for local markets. The limited time and marketing resources restricts a large-scale product development. (Farmer interview 2019) The stronger taste (higher content of glucosinalites) has proved to be a competitive edge over imported horseradish.

Its morphological (Suojala-Ahlfors 2014) and genetic (finger printing) characterisations have been carried out (Wedelsbäck Bladh et al 2014) and glucosinolates content has been evaluated (Wedelsbäck Bladh et al 2013) and compared to other Nordic horseradish clones.

Currently, the landrace has no local market as the farmer only cultivate it according to his domestic needs.

In 2015 ‘Pomodoro di Mercatello’ was included into the Regional Register of Landraces (Umbria Region, Italy), implementing the Umbria Region Law concerning the protection of local genetic resources (n. 25, 2001).

The landrace is very appreciated on the local market (Lazio Region), also due to the several initiatives carried out by local authorities to save the landrace by promoting its cultivation and market.

In order to encourage the cultivation and promote ‘Rapa Catalogna di Roccasecca’ on the local market, the association named ‘Le Vie’ established a festival during which the product is directly used to prepare traditional curses. The event takes place in Roccasecca (Frosinone) every year, in December.

In 2011 ‘Rapa Catalogna di Roccasecca’ was included into the Regional Register of Genetic Resources of Lazio Region (Italy) following the implementation of the Lazio Region Law (n. 15, 1st March 2000 (http://www.arsial.it/arsial/wp-content/uploads/page/n.1-legge-regionale.pdf) which is aimed at safeguarding and promoting the cultivation of local genetic resources).

Marketed under the trademark Green heritage®. Grey pea ‘Rättvik’ is being sold to consumers through the company Nordisk råvara nationally.

Chefs have indicated a pronounced interest in grey pea ‘Rättvik’ due to its historical and gastronomic qualities. Rättvik’ was registered 20 April 2010 on the Swedish official list of varieties as conservation variety. Registration is effective until 31 December 2020. It is marketed under the under the trademark Green heritage®.

‘Rheintaler Ribelmais’ has been experiencing a renaissance over the last few years. Overall production in 2005 in the Reinthal region was 30 tonnes, part of which went to local restaurants, bakeries and breweries, while the other part was sold through retail businesses, both locally and nationally.

The designation ‘Rheintaler Ribelmais’, which represents an independent variety, has been protected since 2000 with the designation of origin ‘Rheintaler Ribelmais AOP’ (Appellation d’Origine Protégée) as the first cereal product of Switzerland. Numerous regional products are produced from the ‘Rheintaler Ribelmais AOP’. For example, the corn beer of the regional brewery Sonnenbräu marketed under the protected brand name Ribelgold. The ‘Rheintaler RIbelmais’ has been recognised as part of the ‘Culinary heritage of Switzerland’ (https://www.patrimoineculinaire.ch/Produkte?text=ribelmais&canton=&categorie=#285).

This apple is still appreciated by local consumers for its particular taste that remembers apples of the past. Nowadays the potential of the market is increasing because of a renewed general interest on old varieties and landraces. Very high level of antioxidants is another element that brings new attention to Rosa Romana from consumers.

In 2015 Rosa Romana was included into the regional register of local genetic resources of Emilia Romagna. In 2018, Rosa Romana was also included into the list of ‘regional typical products.

Seeds of ‘Rotes Herz’ are available in some supermarkets and in the ARCHE NOAH shops. From 2016 to 2018, approximately 1.800 seed packages were sold. Apart from that, seedlings and fruits can be purchased on farmer’s markets and directly on multiplying farm.

Seed are commercialised by Arche Noah.

It has a local niche market due to its special quality and it is promoted for its products (bread, bakery products). On Sunday, March 19 2017, AEGILOPS and the local seed saving network SFONTILI, as an action of promotion of the products of ‘Saritsam’ and of public awareness organized a seed exchange event at the central high schools of Mytilene during which the participants had the opportunity to taste bread from ‘Saritsam.

AEGILOPS (Network for Biodiversity and Ecology in Agriculture) in order to preserve the landrace ‘Saritsam’ suggested to the Ministry of Rural Development and Food to be included in the list of varieties under genetic erosion of the Agri-environmental Measure 9. In 2018, an application was made to the Variety Research Institute of the Cultivated Plants of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food for the registration of the landrace in the Catalogue of Conservation Varieties according to the EC Recommendation 2008/62/EU of the 20^th June 2008 (L 162)’. The above actions aim the protection of ‘Saritsam’ from genetic erosion and its utilization to the pedoclimatic or low input conditions of North Aegean Islands.

Today, ‘Saritsam’ has been recognized for its good cultivation behavior and adaptability to the soil and climate conditions of the region, but also for its special qualities.

The landrace is very appreciated on the local market (Umbria Region), also due to the several initiatives carried out by local authorities to save the landrace by promoting its cultivation and market (see below ‘Added value’ and ‘External support’).

In order to encourage the cultivation and promote ‘Sedano Nero di Trevi’ on the local market, the association named ‘Pro Trevi’ established a festival during which the product is directly sold by the farmers and a prize is assigned to the best farmer. The event takes place in Trevi (Perugia) every year, in October.

‘Sedano Nero di Trevi’ also caught the interest of the Slow Food movement which included it among its ‘presidia’ in 2008, and, within a few years, it became a must in many top restaurants, even outside the Umbria Region.

This landrace has been also recognized as ‘Prodotto Agroalimentare Tipico’ (PAT, litteraly Typical Food Product) by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry through technical support of Region Umbria. The PAT recognition is based on evidences that demonstrate the use of a landrace (or a processed foodstuff) in a certain area for at least 25 years.

In 2014 ‘Sedano Nero di Trevi’ was included into the ‘Registro Regionale delle Varietà Locali’ (‘Regional Register of Landraces’) of Umbria Region, in the implementation of the Umbria Region Law (n. 25, 2001) on genetic resources.

Seduša is a delicate vine variety characterized by medium-sized, thin skinned berries. It can accumulate high levels of sugar in good years. It matures between the third and fourth epoch. The variety is quite yielding; however, the key to achieve high quality limits the yield; usally 50-60% of the clusters are rmoved during green pruning.

The resulting wine is characterised by a light ruby colour, with a lot of earthy and mineral tones, while, at the same time, fruity with clear aromas of currants and cherry plum. The resulting wine is quite high in alcohol content that does not interfere with the balanced aromas.

Currently, for Seduša wine there is a much higher demand than production. As it is a limited production, about 3000 litres per year, Seduša wine is mainly marketed in the Province of Vojvodina, in the Srem region.

By the latest government measures, there is enough capacity's for the increase surface under this variety.

In 2019. year, 5 clones of Seduša were registered in National catalogue of agricultural varieties. The standard samples are maintained in Institute for winegrowing, which is held at the Agriculture college in Novi Sad. http://www.sorte.minpolj.gov.rs/sites/default/files/rsprilogom_3.pdf.

Many maintainers of this landrace on Shetland and Orkney do not market their potato crops. They are often for personal consumption or to be shared with friends and family but are occasionally sold at local markets or informally to acquaintances.

This is not to say that there is no wider market for the Shetland Black potato. They are available to buy online where their status as a registered ‘Slow Food’ is a selling point (Heritage-potatoes.co.uk, 2019).

Shetland black potatoes have caught the attention of the ‘Slow Food’ movement in the UK and are therefore now a registered Slow food (Slow Food in the UK, 2019). Potato landraces fall under SASA’s Scottish Landrace Protection Scheme (Sasa.gov.uk, 2019).

Shetland kale is mostly grown for on-farm consumption, or for over wintering feed for cattle or other livestock. It has gained some interest as an interesting and traditional crop sue to the Slow Food movement, so there is some suggestion of a market for Shetland kale for general consumption.

Shetland kale has caught the attention of the ‘Slow Food’ movement in the UK (Slow Food in the UK, 2019). Kale is commonly viewed as a ‘superfood’ (Šamec, Urlić and Salopek-Sondi, 2018).

‘Solina’ soft wheat has a limited niche market. Thanks to the Slow Food initiative, it is common to find products also outside the Region Abruzzo. Flour of organic ‘Solina’ is currently sold for about 3.5 €/kg.

‘Solina’ has been recognized as ‘Prodotto Agroalimentare Tipico’ (PAT, litteraly Typical Food Product) by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry through the technical support of Regione Abruzzo. The PAT recognition is based on evidences that demonstrate the use of a landrace (or a processed foodstuff) in a certain area for at least 25 years.

‘Solina’ also caught the interest of the Slow Food movement which included it among its ‘presidia’, and, within a few years, the derived products became a must in many top restaurants, even outside the Abruzzo Region.

‘Steinfelder Tellerlinse’ is available through the online store of the aforementioned conservation farm as well as directly on farms who are cultivating this cultivar. It is also sold directly to a restaurant in the original region. Large supermarket chains in Austria still see locally-grown lentils as a niche and therefore focus on supplying foreign lentil varieties.

The ‘Slow Food’ movement had paid special attention to the ‘Steinfelder Tellerlinse’ several years ago (around 2010), but there haven’t been continued efforts since.

This landrace is registered in the Ark of Taste of the Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity. Nowadays, the landrace ‘Tarreste’, besides being used in the traditional way, it is also used in a regional sweet, in a concept of innovation, giving new uses to traditional landraces.

In addition, young students and young chefs are currently using this landrace to develop new dishes in international competitions.

This regional variety is registered in the Ark of Taste of the Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity.

Much of the production is sold directly to restaurants where it is used as an accompaniment to grilled meats or in traditional dishes (the area has a renamed gastronomic tradition, named ‘volcanic cuisine’, where beans have an important role - https://www.cuinavolcanica.cat/ca). Another part of the production is sold in an annual fair hold in the Santa Pau municipality (https://fesolsdesantapau.cat/historia-fesols-de-santa-pau/). Finally, a minor proportion is transformed into sterilized preserves or sold in markets, previously cooked. Due to the low total production since the existence of the PDO, the name of the landrace has nearly disappeared from the markets of other towns. This is good news because is the direct consequence of the PDO label that has won the battle against the fake (Photo 2).

Low optimal area of cultivation, medium but erratic production, and high demand, due to optimal sensory characteristics, give as a result high prices in the market. The fight against fake launched after the PDO establishment has even increased the prices as an enormous amount of the product in the markets has been obliged to change the name. So, this is a paradigmatic case of the benefits for farmers derived from the European geographic labels.

If there is any market for this landrace, at the moment is very small, it’s mainly grown for own consumption, by hobby gardeners. The landrace is best used for fresh consumption, the storability and processing experiments were giving poor results, therefore there are evidences that this landrace is mainly suitable for home production and for local farmers’ markets.

‘Tolna’ is registered as conservation variety in the European Common Catalogue of Conservation Varieties following the Commission Directive 2008/62/CE of 20 June 2008.

Undoubtedly, the small-size, anhydrous ‘Tomataki’ plays an important role in the gastronomic identity of the island. It can be consumed as fresh fruit or as processed product, such as tomato paste, juice, sauce, dip, sun-dried tomatoes and spread. The tomato paste, rich in lycopene and antioxidants is very famous for the bright red colour, the velvety texture and the natural sweet taste. The establishments and the modern equipment of the tomato process factory of the Union of Santorini Cooperatives give the facility of processing all the above products and place them on the local and national market. The last years, steps are made to increase the production and the promotion of the product to other European and non-European markets and the market for ‘Tomataki’ was expanded, while people from all over the world can by on-line all the products of the Union of Santorini Cooperatives e-shop (https://santowines.gr/en/). Most of the farmers sell the tomato production to the Union as a labelled PDO product but some times during the summer they sell it directly at local taverns as fresh fruit.

In 2013 ‘Tomataki Santorinis’ was registered into the European List of Protected Designation of Origin products (EC No: EL-PDO-0005-0888-26.08.2011) following the COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:C:2013:167:0022:0026:EN:PDF). The small yield per hectare on Santorini's dry soils (average yield around 5 tonnes and only in exceptional cases they reach 10 tonnes maximum per hectare compared with around 100 tonnes per hectare for outdoor tomatoes grown inland) means that ‘Tomataki Santorinis’ fetches a substantially higher price, which is a major incentive to fraud. The PDO label will protect the outstanding reputation of the product marketed.

The principal advantages of ‘Tomataki’ grown on Santorini are their higher sugar content and their higher level of total soluble solids. This specific quality characteristic is the result of the combined influence of the genetic material of the local variety, the traditional cultivation method used by the farmers, naturally, Santorini's and the surrounding islands’ soil and climate conditions and the adaptation of the plant to the environment of Santorini. The unique ecosystem that was created by the volcanic explosions on Santorini island, the volcanic ash, the barren, sandy soil, and the resilience of the plant to poor drainage lands, humidity created by the sea, drought, heavy winds and its adaptability to the volcanic soil of the island make ‘Tomataki’ a resource with an important agronomic and commercial value too. ‘Tomataki Santorinis’ is a striking example of a highly-priced local product of excellent quality whose production involves the sustainable use of unique natural resources.

The 'Valenciana' landrace is marketed fresh as a high quality product, especially in the central regions of the Valencia province. Currently, there is an upward trend in the area under cultivation and efforts are being made to consolidate its marketing outside the Valencian Community.

Tomata Valenciana’ of the L’Horta, Camp del Turia, Ribera Alta, Ribera Baixa and Alt Palància regions. The objectives of this association are: to get the authorization of the use of the quality mark CV of the Generalitat Valenciana for the 'Tomata Valenciana’, promote their cultivation as well as expand the geographic scope of marketing. To carry out these activities we have the sponsorship of the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), as well as the knowledge generated by the agronomic and genetic improvement studies carried out by different research groups of the UPV.

The great majority of grapes from ‘Verdelho’ variety produced in the Madeira and Azores Islands are respectively used in wine making of typical wines of Madeira and wines of Azores, due to its importance in wine making into fortified wine, responsible for the fresh notes of tropical and citrus fruits, along with an excellent minerality, weak tangy flavour and semi-dry style.

Vine growers often sell the wine directly to consumer or through local distributors.

Recently, the ‘Verdelho’ variety was considered, to have a great potential to produce monovarietal quality white wines either for young consumption or with potential aging aptitude. This effort will be used to safeguard and promote the cultivation of this genetic resource in other regions from Portugal.

‘Frieda Welten’ is primarily grown in private gardens and only few farmers cultivate and market this variety locally. Although this variety can be harvested earlier than standard early varieties it is and probably will remain a variety for small niche markets.

‘Frieda Welten’ is one of only few remaining ‘winter crops’ of vegetables. Such crops are very precious in order to promote an all year use of gardens, and as such to provide to sustainability goals.

As ‘Roveja di Civita di Cascia’ is included among the so-called ‘Slow Food presidia’, both local and national markets are growing even if the production is still limited.

In 2015 ‘Roveja di Civita di Cascia’ was included into the Regional Register of Landraces (Umbria Region, Italy), implementing the Umbria Region Law concerning the protection of local genetic resources (n. 25, 2001). 

The landrace also caught the interest of the Slow Food movement which included it among its ‘presidia’.