"Orphan Crops: Thriving in a Changing Climate to Feed the World"

"Orphan crops" are traditional plant varieties that have been neglected in favor of major crops like corn, wheat, and rice, but could offer advantages in a changing climate. A new campaign called Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) aims to revive these "opportunity crops" and promote their adoption, with a focus on Africa and Asia. By supporting plant breeders and developing new, productive varieties, the initiative seeks to make these nutritious and climate-resilient crops more available and affordable for consumers, addressing concerns about diet diversity and the impact of climate change on agriculture.