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Underutilised Crops for a Sustainable Future: Promoting Resilience and Nutrition in Global Food Systems
Diana Moreira1, Carla Santos1, Marta Nunes da Silva1
1Universidade Católica Portuguesa, CBQF-Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina - Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Porto, Portugal.
Physiologia Plantarum
|July 23, 2026
Summary
Underutilised crops (UCs) can enhance food system resilience by diversifying agriculture and improving nutrition. Overcoming barriers to their adoption is key to unlocking their potential for sustainable food futures.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Food Systems
- Sustainability Studies
Background:
- Global food systems face increasing vulnerabilities, necessitating diversified and sustainable strategies.
- Underutilised Crops (UCs) offer potential for strengthening food production and diets but face challenges in production, commercialisation, policy, and awareness.
- Limited realisation of UCs' potential hinders their contribution to resilient food systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of UCs in promoting agricultural and nutritional resilience.
- To identify benefits, challenges, and barriers to UCs adoption.
- To explore innovative tools and future pathways for UCs in global food systems.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on two main themes: UCs for agricultural resilience and UCs for nutritional resilience.
- Analysis of agronomic, socio-economic, and cultural factors influencing UCs adoption.
- Synthesis of insights from four H2020 sister projects (RADIANT, CROPDIVA, BIOVALUE, DIVINFOOD).
Main Results:
- UCs can diversify agricultural production, enhance climate change adaptation, and improve agroecosystems.
- UCs contribute to dietary diversity, improved nutrition, and public health.
- Innovative tools and strategies are being developed to valorise UCs' potential.
Conclusions:
- UCs play a strategic role in building healthy, resilient, and sustainable food systems.
- Addressing adoption barriers is crucial for integrating UCs into mainstream food systems.
- Collaborative efforts are needed to unlock the full potential of UCs for inclusive food systems.
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