Overview
Crop Innovations is dedicated to strengthening food security by supporting the use and conservation of a wide pool of genetic resources for agriculture. Growing a wider variety of species and locally adapted varieties can make farms more resilient. Through research, collaboration, and field-based support, we help farmers, communities, and policymakers adopt approaches that benefit both people and the environment.
Our Commitment
History
Crop Innovations was established in 2012 from the International Centre for Under-utilised Crops (ICUC). Its origins trace back to the International Conference on New Crops for the Food Industry in 1988, which highlighted the need for greater research into under-utilised species. The ICUC went on to deliver projects that improved the production and marketing of various fruits and vegetables. Crop Innovations continues this legacy while expanding the focus to include crop diversity, sustainable agriculture, and farmer-centred research.
Our Work
Crop Innovations supports farmers, governments, and grassroots organisations to advance sustainable agriculture and genetic resource conservation. We conduct demand-driven research and adapt new technologies so they can be used in real farming contexts. Our work strengthens value chains for diverse and locally important crops and helps ensure that benefits are shared fairly with all stakeholders. Our work involves field trials, capacity building, policy support, and collaborative research with partners in the UK and abroad.
Our Vision
We imagine a future where diverse crops and sustainable farming practices form the backbone of global food security. We want farmers everywhere to have the practical tools and support they need to adapt to climate change, grow nutritious food, and protect the natural world. By championing evidence-based approaches to agriculture and preserving crop diversity, we aim to help create thriving communities and healthier landscapes for generations to come.