Seeds lie at the heart of food systems, serving as a critical link between food security, agricultural sustainability, and biodiversity conservation (Khoury et al., 2021). Seed banks play a crucial role in safeguarding local biodiversity, supporting agroecological transitions, and strengthening community-based conservation efforts, contributing to food sovereignty and the livelihoods of communities (Girard & Frison, 2018). The paper presents research on the conservation and valorization of seeds through ex situ strategies, with a focus on seed banks in the Portuguese context. The governance institutional frameworks, and current challenges faced by seed banks in Portugal are analysed addressing the following questions: (1) How do Portuguese seed banks operate within existing legal and policy frameworks? (2) What are the challenges and opportunities for seeds conservation in Portugal? (3) How do different institutional models inUuence the conservation strategies? This study employs an exploratory mixed methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data. Case studies of three seed banks were conducted: the Portuguese Plant Germplasm Bank (BPGV), the Seed Bank of the National Museum of Natural History and Science (MUHNAC), and the Colher para Semear Association - Portuguese Traditional Varieties Network (CPS). Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews with key representatives of these initiatives, complemented by policy and document analysis. Preliminary [ndings reveal that the three seed banks address the issue from different perspectives—food and agriculture (BPGV), environmental (BS), and community (CPS)—which shape their respective methodologies and strategies. Despite these differences, they converge on similar conclusions: 1) the free circulation of seeds is essential for maintaining agroecosystem balance; 2) the preservation and continuity of locally-rooted cultivation practices foster the free movement of seeds; and 3) these practices are deeply tied to cultural dynamics of shared knowledge and collective action. However, Portuguese seed banks operate within a fragmented policy landscape, constrained by an inconsistent regulatory framework. They face challenges such as limited funding, bureaucratic barriers, and the need for better integration between national agricultural and environmental policies. Furthermore, all seed banks emphasize the lack of recognition for the conservation of plant genetic resources in public policies, underscoring the critical role seeds play in linking food systems (both human and animal), agricultural practices, and the overall balance of socioecosystems. These results are in line with the literature on transitions of food systems (El Bilali, 2019). Therefore, the research contributes to the debate on the transition of food systems, namely governance of genetic resources. By highlighting the role of seed banks in maintaining biodiversity and resilience of food systems, the study provides insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners seeking to develop more sustainable and inclusive conservation strategies. This paper is proposed for a full paper session.

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seeds,agrobiodiversity,sustainabiity,seedbanks