Policy Pathways for the Integration of Crop Wild Relatives (CWRs) in Sustainable Agriculture

Crop Wild Relatives (CWRs), the wild counterparts of cultivated crops, hold immense potential for addressing some of the most pressing challenges in agriculture today.They play an essential role for safeguarding agrobiodiversity, enhancing crop resilience, and supporting long-term food security and climate adaptation.Despite their recognized value, their use and conservation remain insufficiently integrated into policy frameworks.To address this gap, this study undertakes a systematic literature review with the primary objective of synthesizing policy-oriented results from previous research efforts related to the use and expansion of CWR.Focusing on peer-reviewed studies with a policy-relevant focus, this review explores strategic efforts aimed at promoting the conservation and sustainable use of Crop Wild Relatives.The synthesis sheds light on both enabling factors and persistent policy gaps, offering insights into how national, European, and international policies can better support the sustainable integration of CWR into agricultural systems.The findings aim to inform future policy development and strengthen the role of CWR in agri-environmental strategies.