**9. The concept of local variety**

The concepts of the local variety have already existed in the guidelines for the proper in situ, on-farm and ex situ conservation of plant varieties. A local variety is a variety or local crop that reproduces by seed or by vegetative process. It is a variable population, which is identifiable and usually has a local name. It lacks 'formal' genetic improvement and is characterized by specific adaptation to the environmental conditions of the area of cultivation (tolerant to the biotic and the abiotic stresses of that area) and is closely associated with the traditional use, knowledge, habits, dialects and celebrations of the people who developed and continue to grow it [54].
