News

The annual "GROW - Agrobiodiversity in a Changing Climate" course successfully concluded on 22 November 2024, bringing together 29 participants from 18 countries. The programme focuses on how biodiversity can enhance resilience and adaptability to climate change in mountain farming systems. 

A key highlight of the course was the inclusion of new case studies that focused on sustainable natural resource management and accountability tools in supply chains with an example from the Italian food company, Barilla. The curriculum also featured discussions on the conservation and sustainable use of edible plants, led by the University of Turin. These topics provided valuable insights into practical solutions for managing natural resources and promoting sustainability in agriculture and food systems.  Students were also provided with hands-on experience and tools to adapt agricultural methods to address the biodiversity challenges posed by climate change. 

The course brought together prominent lecturers in the field, each contributing unique expertise to the programme. Devra Jarvis from the Platform for Agrobiodiversity Research (PAR), Abdel Kader Naino Jika from the Alliance of Bioversity International (CIAT), and Fabio Attorre from the Botanical Garden of Rome, Sapienza University, shared insights into biodiversity and its role in agriculture. Michele Zerbini from Barilla presented the case study of Barilla and how they incorporate biodiversity in their sustainability strategy. Federica Matteoli from FAO OCB and Roberto Ugas and Patricia Flores from IFOAM - Organics International further enriched the curriculum with their diverse perspectives on sustainability and resilience in farming systems. 

Aida Musaeva, from Global Saemaul Foundation in Kyrgyzstan said about the course, "I thoroughly enjoyed the course, especially the group work, where we got to know each other, exchange ideas and even share fun moments.Michele Zerbini'ssession about Barilla inspired me to focus on entrepreneurship. My unique pilot project feels more sustainable thanks to my participation in the 2024 GROW summer school." 
 
Fellow participant, Dorji Om from FAO in Bhutan, said,“I found the 2024 GROW course immensely valuable in terms of gaining practical insights into sustainable farming and climate adaptation strategies. The breakout sessions were a fantastic platform to interact with like-minded learners from over 18 countries, and hearing from experts across diverse organizations was truly inspiring." 

Looking ahead, the GROW programme is set to return in 2025 with an in-person format hosted at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nationsheadquarters and the Botanical Garden of Rome, offering participants an even more immersive learning experience.