• The GO FitoNet Operational Group was created to improve the supply of genetic varieties and promote the use of crop biodiversity.
• Its purpose is to provide information and resources to promote the use of greater genetic variety that enhances the quality of plant products.

June 19, 2023. “ Biodiversity ” is not an empty concept, nor does it refer only to the animal world and the landscape. Biodiversity is also essential for the survival of crops and agriculture in general.

The limited plant varieties used in current agricultural systems lead to their vulnerability. When similar crop varieties are used, the onset of abiotic stresses, heat, drought, and even pests affect enormous quantities of produce, since, in the absence of genetic variety , all are affected and respond in the same way.

“If crops remain genetically uniform, this could lead to vulnerability, which will reduce their productivity, diminish their quality, and contribute to the abandonment of currently profitable agricultural and forest lands,” says the FitoNet Operational Group ( GO FitoNet ).

This group was born in 2022 with the following objectives:

• Improve the supply of plant varieties for users
• Promote environmentally friendly practices
• Respond to the growing demand for differentiated plant-based products with greater nutritional and organoleptic quality.

Harnessing biodiversity

From the outset, the GO FitoNet project set itself the strategic challenge of promoting sustainable agricultural production based on harnessing crop biodiversity . Thus, generating a variable genetic base and creating new varieties allows for the development of resilient and productive crops that facilitate the survival of agricultural systems and also mitigate the effects of climate change.

But through what actions? Mainly through two channels:

1. Creation of Living Labs and pilot projects :

The goal is to establish four pilot projects that can demonstrate the importance of using biodiversity to generate crops with the desired sustainability and profitability characteristics.

2. Development of a web and mobile application :

The idea is to create a social network for plant genetic resources , called "FitoNet . " It would be a network where researchers, farmers, and stakeholders in the agri-food sector would exchange the use of plant genetic resources, sharing their knowledge to promote the development of new crops.

The keys to crop decision-making

With all the tools available to industry professionals at every stage of the chain, FitoNet aims to be the tool that unites knowledge. To this end, it will include information on the following aspects:

1. Data on local varieties, pre-breeding and breeding materials
2. Information on the variety description
3. Information on the degree of resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses
4. Information on the quality of products and production in certain environments
5. Information from the National Inventory of Plant Genetic Resources
6. Use of genetic resources

Within the framework of research projects, plant breeding materials have been developed, preserved, and sometimes documented, which will allow for the expansion of the genetic base. However, the social network offers an important service, as this data is neither centralized nor standardized , thus facilitating the visibility of these hard-to-access resources.

Members and funding

The Cellbitec Foundation promoted the creation and currently coordinates the GO. It also has various partners: the Spanish National Research Council ( CSIC – PTI AGROFOR ), Bullsoft Solutions , the Union of Small Farmers and Ranchers ( UPA ), the Da Cunha Group , Obrador de Creative , AGROSA , and the Cajamar Foundation . BIOVEGEN – Technological Platform for Plant Technology, for its part, is responsible for dissemination and promotion.

The FitoNet Operational Group has a budget of €594,138.18, 80% co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), and the remaining 20% by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food through the Directorate-General for Rural Development, Innovation and Agri-Food Training (DGDRIFA).