Niche markets need to be identified for exploitation by rural farmers and strategies developed to meet the market demands. Above all, the farmers need backup and support for technical and agricultural expertise. This must be achieved with win-win solutions that help to improve quality, stabilize prices and assure sustainable supply. Finances are always a major constraint when discussing sustainable agriculture. Several financiers discussed the terms on which their institutions will give financial help, be it a loan, a grant, or a combination of both.
Conservation includes more than the traditional term used for threat against endangered species.
The conservation of germplasm, resources, and genetic material offers new incentives to stakeholders in the new bioactive compounds found in botanicals. Different laws apply in different countries. A more informal way of protecting IPR is to negotiate a know-how license, which can be much more cost effective. It does not give worldwide rights or copyright, but acknowledges the partnership, and funds raised can go into a trust fund or a community. He discussed different models of benefit sharing existing in South Africa, pointing out the advantages and disadvantages of each model.