As part of this commemoration, on June 5 of this year, the Colombian Agricultural Research Corporation (AGROSAVIA) joined the celebration of the International Day of Potato through an event held simultaneously at its research centers located in the departments of Cundinamarca (Tibaitatá), Nariño (Obonuco), and Antioquia (La Selva). Together, these departments account for more than 60% of Colombia’s potato production.

The event began with an academic session conducted simultaneously across the three research centers. Presentations covered topics related to potato production, including seed production, agroclimatic risk management, and recent advances in research on potato purple top disease. Following the academic component, each research center hosted its own activities, including guided tours, exhibition stands, and gastronomic showcases.

The Climate-Resilient Potatoes Project, funded by FONTAGRO, participated in the event at the Tibaitatá Research Center with an exhibition stand where project objectives were presented, particularly the evaluation of potato genotypes with shorter growing cycles than the varieties currently cultivated in Colombia. In addition, project staff led one of the guided tours to the greenhouse facilities, where these materials are being produced through an aeroponic system.

The visit generated significant interest among participants, including potato producers (both individual farmers and producer associations), technical advisors, extension agents, students, industry organizations, and other stakeholders in the potato value chain.

The project aims to continue participating in events of this nature, where future opportunities will be available to share and discuss the results generated through the research activities.

By: Diego Avendaño