Formed in 2007, Food Plant Solutions Rotary Action Group (FPS) creates science-based educational materials, which:

• identify highly nutritious local food plants,
• explain how to grow them in a sustainable, agroecological way,
• detail the nutritional value of the plants and
• describe why human bodies require those nutrients.

The resources created by FPS allows people to better understand the importance of their local food plants specifically, their nutritional content and how (and why) to grow and use them.  By identifying a range of highly nutritious local food plants with differing seasonal requirements and maturities, it is possible to establish a continuous, nutritious and sustainable food supply.  Local food plants are important because they are adapted to their environment, have sound nutritional density, a natural resistance to pest and disease and profound economic benefits for the local community.

The source of information is the Edible Plants of the World database, created by Tasmanian agricultural scientist, Bruce French, AO.  This database is the largest of its kind in the world and currently has over 33,600 edible food plants for all countries.  Food Plant Solutions specialise at extracting information from the database and present the science- based information in a range of easy to understand formats, dependent upon the audience.

Partnerships are formed with existing in-country providers who utilise FPS materials to empower people, particularly women, to make informed choices thus enabling them to select their foods according to the nutritional, economic and environmental impacts on themselves, their communities and their natural resources.

It is a proven approach:

• that will achieve a diverse nutritious diet,
• promotes agroecological methods,
• is sustainable,
• enhances food security and
• helps to mitigate climate change.

With agroecological practices, agroecosystems are protected, restored and improved, and economic and social benefits accrue to the individual, community, region and country.  The project intentionally focuses on one aspect or a community’s unique and natural heritage – its local food plants.  Food sovereignty is very important and should be celebrated.  Results from one program partner have seen malnutrition being reduced by between 40-95% in one year, in children.  This sort of result is life changing for these children, their families and longer term, for their communities and country.