Linking research with policy-making and biodiversity with markets.

The project aims to conserve biodiversity and increase the viability of smallholder farming systems that can grow biodiversity products. Therefore, it will provide scientific support to develop a policy and market mechanism that raises awareness and increases demand for biodiversity products. The project conducts research in field of socioeconomics (farming households, consumer preferences, value chain analysis), agronomy (diversity, seed production, reduction in the use of pesticides), food composition (fingerprinting and profiling) and gastronomy (culinary applications) linked to the Mochero chilli pepper in the region of La Libertad, Peru. A public/private stakeholder group will be convened to inform research and extension, serve as a roundtable for dialogue and contribute to strengthen farmer´s organisations, coordinated by an experienced NGO. The project strives to submit a formal application for Geographical Indication to the competent authority. The experience will serve as a model for other mechanisms for biodiversity conservation linked to market incentives for poverty alleviation in Peru and Latin America.