Esslingen receives old grain types for the future of nutrition

Esslingen receives old grain types for the future of nutrition

In times of the climate crisis and the growing need to find sustainable solutions for the nutrition of the coming generations, research on old grain plays a crucial role. A remarkable project in Esslingen shows how old crops can be secured as genetic resources for the future of agricultural sciences.

harvest of the special grain varieties

Tomorrow Saturday the harvest of five special types of grain takes place in the Beuren open -air museum. These varieties are handed over to the German Genbank in Gatersleben. The event under the direction of the scientist and plant breeder Professor Jan Sneyd emphasizes the importance of these old varieties, which not only have historical roots, but also serve as valuable gene resources for current and future agriculture.

The relevance of old grain varieties

In particular, a wheat type from the pile construction period, the white-driven Ur-Binkel and a wheat bred especially for adaptation to climate change are focused on. These old varieties have unique properties that make them more resistant to climatic changes and can therefore be made available to the general public and future generations. The preservation of such varieties is of great interest, because they are the key to improving crops in agriculture.

collaboration for over two decades

The cooperation between the open -air museum and Professor Sneyd has existed since 1995 and is devoted to the preservation and revival of old crop species. At the same time, the Schwäbische Dickkopf-Landweizen has been grown again in the experience. Center since 2019. This old variety is not only cultivated in the field, but also finds its way into local baked goods, which underlines its social relevance and culinary tradition.

education and awareness through exhibitions

The open -air museum also plans an informative exhibition that explains visitors to the background of these old varieties. Important questions such as their disappearance, their value for biodiversity and the role they could play in the fight against climate change are treated. Such educational measures are intended to raise awareness of the preservation of the genetic diversity of our foods.

conclusion: an important step towards sustainable future

The project to secure these special grain varieties is a pioneering example of the need to research and preserve old plant species. In view of the challenges of climate change and the changing nutritional needs of the world population, the rediscovery and promotion of such historically valuable varieties is an important step towards a more sustainable future.

- Nag