Strategic Development of the Crop Trust

The project focuses on three important pillars:

• Developing and implementing a new financing strategy
• Expanding project-based cooperation with genebanks
• Promoting networking, communications and public relations in German speaking countries

Developing and implementing a new financing strategy 

The Crop Trust endowment fund currently stands at USD 317 million. However, this is not enough. Our calculations are that we need USD 500 million more to safeguard the diversity of the most important crops that feed us all. This project is supporting the development of a new financing strategy which looks at both: i) strengthening funding inflows from traditional Crop Trust donors like national governments and foundations; as well as (ii) tapping into new sources of funding from the private sector and individuals. The second objective will explore and establish  innovative finance mechanisms to attract greater contributions from the private sector as well as private individuals. 

Expanding project-based cooperation with genebanks

The project will work with partners primarily in international genbanks on ideas and proposals for projects that provide financial support for their activities. One emphasis is the development of project-based cooperation with different genebanks on cryopreservation of crops that cannot be stored as seeds.  The project will also assess and recommend how the role of marginalized  groups, with a focus on women, youth and indigenous groups, in the smallholder farming sector can be strengthened. 

Raising awareness of the Crop Trust and Crop Diversity

The Crop Trust has an important mission and continues to look for new opportunities to raise awareness about the future of our food supply. Climate change and the loss of biodiversity in agriculture are two sides of the same coin. Crop diversity is part of the solution to both of these global challenges. The project will galvanize the Crop Trust’s outreach and networking with decision-makers in policy and the private sector as well as civil society organizations, especially in German-speaking countries. The project will help organize events and initiatives as part of the overall Crop Trust outreach strategy.  

• German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

   

• Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)