Co-evolution of horticultural breeding and product value chains - a product cycle perspective

In an ever-evolving global market, the symbiotic development of new varieties of horticultural products in response to shifting international value chain priorities has become a pivotal factor in the expansion of the food industry. However, with rapid changes in product cycles and value chain processes, there are still significant gaps in how low and middle-income countries (LMICs) adapt and benefit from these innovations. Understanding these challenges, especially in the fruit sector, is crucial to unlocking the full potential of breeding and product development worldwide.

Horticultural breeding and product value chains are evolving together, transforming how fruit crops are bred, grown, and sold. This co-evolution supports the creation of sustainable agri-food systems are more resilient, resource-efficient, and adapted to local conditions, ensuring long-term food security and economic competitiveness. The interplay between breeding practices and value chain processes influences all aspects of the supply chain, from farms to consumers, shaping the diversity of fruit varieties available and their accessibility in global markets. In both high- and low-income countries, this dynamic has taken on new urgency due to the role of private and public-sector breeders in driving innovation.

The webinar, "Co-evolution of horticultural breeding and product value chains – a product cycle perspective," led by Professor Tom Reardon, offers an in-depth look at how breeding and product value chains have developed in tandem. Using fruit examples from the United States and New Zealand, Professor Reardon highlights the three key stages of product evolution: niche market development, commodification, and product differentiation. His insights provide valuable lessons for agri-food system actors operating in LMICs, who can benefit from understanding how high-income countries have adapted their horticultural systems.

Key takeaways from the webinar:

1. Collaborative breeding initiatives can significantly reduce risk and boost market share, as they leverage shared resources, knowledge, and expertise among breeders, growers, and packers, leading to more resilient and adaptable crop varieties. The research suggests that LMICs could greatly benefit from developing similar public-private collaborations to foster innovation.

2. Technological integration of advanced breeding methods, such as CRISPR and genomics, has transformed horticultural breeding by reducing costs and speeding up the development of new varieties. Investing in these technologies can help actors in LMICs close the gap in product differentiation.
    
3. Internationalisation of value chains is essential for developing countries to compete globally.  Pursuing this involves engaging in foreign direct investment, establishing nurseries in various regions, and ensuring a continuous supply of high-demand fruit varieties year-round.
    
4. Policy reform within LMICs is urgently needed to facilitate the transfer of breeding technologies and protect intellectual property rights in equitable ways. Such reforms would empower developing countries to harness global innovations while protecting local growers from being outmanoeuvred by multinational corporations.
    
5. Climate and disease resistance should be a focal point in research efforts, particularly in LMICs where environmental conditions differ significantly from those in high-income countries and are often increasingly precarious. Developing varieties that are adaptable to climate challenges and resistant to diseases is crucial for sustainable agricultural practices.

To learn more about these insights and explore the research behind them, watch the full webinar here from the CGIAR ‘Rethinking Food Markets’ Initiative.

You can also join the conversation on the KISM Discussion Forum. This platform serves as a collaborative space for researchers and practitioners to share their knowledge and experiences, fostering dialogue around enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of food value chains and markets.