ProSpecieRara

ProSpecieRara is a Swiss non- profit foundation that was established in 1982 in St. Gallen. Purpose of the Foundation is to " preserve and promote genetic diversity in flora and fauna ". It is particularly important to preserve endangered breeds and site-specific crop from extinction.

The numerous traditional (often regional) varieties of domestic plants and animals were displaced during the 20th century gradually from standard varieties that were better suited for modern high-performance agriculture. With the Convention on Biological Diversity of 1992, Switzerland has undertaken to preserve the biodiversity of animals and plants. The activities of the Foundation ProSpecieRara are in conformity with this obligation and are partially supported by the federal government.

The activities of the Foundation are:

• Support and promote the breeding and cultivation of traditional varieties ( through the dissemination of relevant agricultural knowledge, teaching seed and networking of the breeder ).
• Help in marketing to consumers (including a " seal of approval ProSpecieRara " )
• Preservation and dissemination of knowledge about the traditional varieties
• Lobbying

About 2,000 people attend today are the subject of breeding animals, vegetables and fruit trees. The Foundation gives out three times in the ProSpecieRara Bulletin and has published several reference books. Since 1999, Coop ( Switzerland ) the main sponsor / partner of ProSpecieRara.

The head office of the Foundation is now in the Merian gardens near Basel. On Wildegg ProSpecieRara maintains a display garden.