Latin American Seeds

In the last few years, the Latin-American seeds have gained increased importance (also due to the increased demand for gluten-free foods). Worldwide demand for Latin-American seeds and grains has risen in a high proportion. In parallel, seeds and grains' research from this region in all relevant fields has been intensified. Latin-American Seeds: Agronomic, Processing and Health Aspects summarizes the recent research on Latin-American crops regarding agronomic and botanical characteristics, composition, structure, use, production, technology, and impact on human health. Latin-American cultivars studied here are included in the groups of cereals, pseudo-cereals, oilseeds, and legumes that are used in a great variety of innovative and traditional foods. The main crops that are covered in this book are Latin-American maize (Zea mays), amaranth (Amaranthus spp), quinoa (Chenopodium spp), kañiwa (Chenopodium pallidicaule), chia (Salvia hispanica), sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) and legumes such as black turtle and common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and tarwi (Lupinus mutabilis). Key Features: Contains updated information about recent research works on Latin-American crops Includes a variety of Latin-American plant species that are used in a great variety of innovative and traditional foods Addresses a wide range of topics related to agronomy, plant physiology, and nutritional and technological properties, processing, fractionation and development of new products for human health

The meeting recognised the need for the sustainable use of plant genetic resources for sustainable agricultural development of the region. Discussions focused on the appropriate mechanisms required to ensure capacity for the maintenance, production and equitable distribution of good quality seeds from a wide range of plant varieties. The meeting agreed to establish the Seed Consultative Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean.

The meeting recognised the need for the sustainable use of plant genetic resources for sustainable agricultural development of the region. Discussions focused on the appropriate mechanisms required to ensure capacity for the maintenance, production and equitable distribution of good quality seeds from a wide range of plant varieties. The meeting agreed to establish the Seed Consultative Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean.

FAO, through its Seed and Plant Genetics Resources Service, is conducting a series of expert consultations, workshops and conferences to generate ideas, develop methodoligies and facilitate initiatives aimed at strengthening on-farm seed multiplication (the informal seed system) thereby adressing the seed security needs of smallhoder farmers ... .

Now in its fifth edition, this leading reader has been updated with new readings and visual sources. This edition includes an added final chapter on current social movements to help students reflect on the ecological realities that inform their world. In addition, the “Legacies of Colonialism” chapter has been restored to give students an understanding of the deep roots of the problems explored. Instead of a separate chapter on women and social change, women’s voices have been woven more seamlessly throughout the book to reflect women’s parity and equity in history. With its innovative combination of primary and secondary sources and thoughtful editorial analysis, this text is designed specifically to stimulate critical thinking in a wide range of courses on Latin American history since independence.