21 July 2026, Switzerland: The next contribution in our ‘Voices on Climate’ series comes from Mariateresa Lazzaro. It explores the role that plant breeding can play in climate change adaptations strategies. A specific example is the cowpea, which is adapted to heat and drought, its potential for cultivation under local conditions, and FiBL’s research into this.
In the interview, Mariateresa Lazzaro discusses, amongst other things, how the ‘Augenblick’ project is going about identifying cowpea varieties suitable for cultivation in Switzerland. The discussion also covers how breeding can improve suitability for cultivation and the role played by OHM (organic heterogeneous material) in this process. Mariateresa Lazzaro is co-leader of the project and co-leader of the Plant Breeding Group at FiBL in Switzerland.
Global Agriculture is an independent international media platform covering agri-business, policy, technology, and sustainability. For editorial collaborations, thought leadership, and strategic communications, write to pr@global-agriculture.com
