Protecting biodiversity: our shared commitment with the Crop Trust

Up to 500 varieties of 5 different crops - pearl millet, sorghum, pea, beans and lentils - are properly guarded for at least the next 100 years

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Biodiversity

To celebrate our company's 100 year anniversary in 2022, we set the goal of protecting biodiversity for future generations. In order to achieve it, we found the best possible partner: the Crop Trust.

The Crop Trust is an international organization devoted to conserving and ensuring the availability of crop biodiversity worldwide, forever and for everyone.

The preservation of crop diversity is a crucial global issue that is essential for ensuring future food and nutritional security. It is imperative to conserve crop diversity indefinitely and make it accessible to scientists, researchers, and farmers to enable them to adapt to the challenges posed by the climate crisis, reduce environmental damage, enhance livelihoods, and guarantee adequate nourishment for all.

Scientists and plant breeders depend on the variety of crops available to them to develop new, stronger, and more productive strains that meet consumers' desires for delectable and nutritious food while being adaptable to local circumstances, preferences, environments, and obstacles.

Why is it important to conserve crop biodiversity?

Crop diversity is essential for life on Earth. It sustains nearly everything we eat and drink. But, sadly, it’s rapidly disappearing. The conservation of crop diversity is a critical part of the solution to the world’s climate crisis, loss of global biodiversity and food and nutritional insecurity.

At Schär, we are making sure that up to 500 varieties of 5 different crops - pearl millet, sorghum, pea, beans and lentils - are properly guarded for at least the next 100 years.

Pearl millet

Pearl millet is nutritionally rich and high in micronutrients and its increased dietary intake can prevent associated hidden hunger or malnutrition.

Pearl millet can be grown under very hot and dry conditions on infertile soil where other crops would not survive.

Sorghum

Sorghum is one of the most important cereal crops and the third most produced gluten-free grain on the planet. It is extremely drought tolerant, making it an excellent choice for dry areas.

Everything you want in a gluten-free grain: versatile, packed with nutrients… and affordable!

Pea

Peas are a widely grown cool-season crop that can be enjoyed both in spring and autumn.

Growing legumes promotes diversity, both of bacteria and earthworms in the soil and of bees above the soil.

Bean

Beans contribute essential protein to millions in Latin America and Africa. They are rich in micronutrients such as iron and folic acid, especially important for pregnant women.

This crop is a fast grower, they reach maturity 55-60 days after being planted.

Lentil

Lentils are edible seeds from the legume family of plants. They are thought to have originated in the Middle East and North Africa, and are one of the oldest foods in the world.

Like their pulse cousins, lentils are highly nutritious. No other vegetable food contains as much protein - when dried the content goes up to 25%

Protecting biodiversity: our shared commitment with the Crop Trust