Farm animal genetic resources and the COVID-19 pandemic

Endangered breeds in fragile socio-economic contexts are particularly exposed to population decline and stochastic perturbations expected following COVID-19 pandemic. The interest of richer societies for short food chains, natural food and traceability of products can create opportunities for local breeds production systems in the context of COVID-19. National surveys on the breed diversity status following COVID-19 should address negative situations and opportunities. COVID-19 has revealed risks, fragilities and inequalities for our food systems. The aim is to build resilience at all levels. Agroecology, which implies to conserve breed diversity, can play an important role.