Traditionally cultivated root crops, such as aroids and yams, have become the 'orphan' or neglected crops of the international community. Invariably, they are grown or left to grow in poor soils or forests without the addition of fertilisers or pesticides.  As a group, these species are efficient food plants, locally important as reserve foods used in times of need, as rich sources of vitamins, dietary fibre and minerals. They are seen, however, as 'poor people's food' and are being replaced by noodles and rice.  In the past, crop research has paid little attention to species that are important to a community or region, but not in international markets. Underutilised species important for agrobiodiversity have not been the subject of international development.  To address this, FFEM and CIRAD are launching a 5 years project in 2005 to incorporate these 'neglected' species into ongoing research activities. The current focus is on rootcrops and farm conservation of their agrobiodiversity in Vanuatu, Melanesia.