The project "Improving the yield of potatoes and other Andean tubers - Root to Food," co-financed by FONTAGRO and executed by the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, the Corporation for Participatory and Sustainable Development of Small Rural Producers of Colombia - PBA, and the Universidad Mayor de San Simón of Bolivia, received the Sapphire recognition in the category of Social Innovation with the greatest impact, an honor that highlights outstanding innovation in this field, within the framework of the Innpacta 2025 Awards.

The Innpacta Awards, organized by Connect, an important innovation network in Colombia, aim to showcase and recognize projects, companies, and individuals that generate significant social and economic impact in the country. In this edition, which received over 500 applications, the capacity of the Root to Food project to contribute to food security and sustainability in rural communities of Latin America was particularly noted.

The Sapphire distinction reflects how the project has not only improved the quality of potato seeds but also implemented a participatory approach that benefits local farmers. Through the development of technological packages and the creation of a Territorial Innovation System, Root to Food has strengthened the economy of family agricultural production units.

Additionally, it has demonstrated tangible results, such as the production of approximately 7,000 minitubers of native varieties and a reduction in production costs of up to 25%. These achievements testify to the direct impact of the project on the lives of farmers, perfectly aligning with the evaluation criteria of the Innpacta Awards, which seek innovative projects with measurable and sustainable results.

The success of "Root to Food" underscores the importance of international collaboration and the use of participatory technologies to effectively address the challenges hindering agricultural development in the Andean region. This collaborative approach not only improves productivity but also contributes to creating a more sustainable and resilient environment for rural communities.

For more information about the "Root to Food" project and other innovative initiatives, visit here.