October 2010: The Roots for Life Foundation has launched a campaign to raise funds for the conservation of native potato varieties.

The foundation aims to raise over US$21 million to ensure the survival of world’s 4,325 potato varieties. The foundation is seeking “Heroes” to donate US$5,000 for the conservation of a single variety. The potato varieties will be held in trust at the world collection of the the International Potato Center (CIP) in Lima, Peru. The foundation plans to celebrate the “Heroes” at a special ceremony held on 15 February 2011 in Svalbard, Norway, the home of the Global Seed Vault. CIP is a member institution of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). [Roots for Life Website] [Press Release]