Exploring the emergence of participatory plant breeding in countries of the Global North – a review

Abstract Participatory plant breeding (PPB), commonly applied in the Global South to address needs of underserved farmers, refers active collaboration between researchers, farmers and other actors throughout process. In spite significant public private investments crop variety improvement North, PPB is increasingly utilized as an approach cropping system needs. The current study conducted a state-of-the-art review, including comprehensive inventory projects five case studies, explore emergence North inform future efforts. Case studies included maize ( Zea mays ), tomato Solanum lycopersicum Brassica crops oleracea wheat Triticum aestivum ) potato tuberosum ). review identified 47 across United States, Canada Europe 22 species representing diverse biology. Improved adaptation organic farming systems addressing principles values agriculture emerged consistent themes. While presented evidence that has expanded diversity farmer's access improved varieties, obstacles also challenges sustained funding well regulatory barriers commercial distribution varieties. Agronomic improvements were only one lens motivating PPB, with many identifying goals conservation genetic diversity, farmers' seed sovereignty avoidance certain techniques. authors conclude multidisciplinary needed fully understand social, political agroecological influences driving factors impacting success.