PlantwisePlus Blog

CABI’s own, Matthew Cock, covers strategic entry points for funding taxonomic support to agriculture in developing countries in the third working paper published by CABI.

The importance of taxonomy to agriculture is discussed, with emphasis on how to address the need for taxonomic support in developing countries.

One of the subjects explored by this paper is the existing mechanisms that provide support to agriculture, of which BioNET is one. BioNET is an international initiative dedicated to promoting the science and use of taxonomy, especially in the economically poorer countries of the world. The network is made up of 10 government-endorsed regional networks, the Locally Owned and Operated Partnerships (LOOPs), encompassing institutions and 3000 individuals in over 100 countries, and a Secretariat in the UK, which we, at CABI, host.

Matthew examines the role that the Plantwise initiative has to play in providing support to agriculture. Early detection followed by early identification of new pests is crucial in our fight to save crops, protect livelihoods and improve food security. Plantwise will provide a global pest and disease warning system and it is recognized that it will require taxonomic support at various junctures. Discussions between Plantwise and BioNET are underway to discuss how BioNET could contribute to providing this support.

Link to working paper 1.

Link to working paper 2.