How to support the development of crop diversification? The importance of an approach at the value chain level

The DiverIMPACTS policy brief contains the following key messages

• The implementation of crop diversification requires multiple changes, not only within farming systems but also in terms of creation and development of new value chains. 
• Targeting support to the many actors that compose and contribute to new value chains, and ensuring better coordination, are thus critical to the creation and development of crop diversification.
• Key policy recommendations include the allocation of public and private resources towards actors involved in crop diversification, with  special attention paid to the starting and scaling-out phases; and specific support aiming at mitigating or sharing the investment costs and risks along value chains, e.g. through the development of innovative contracts and subsidies schemes.
• Creating a favorable environment including regulatory stability for new crops, as well as undertaking wide communication campaigns, are critical to reach an increased share for crop diversification products.