FONTAGRO recognizes the importance of supporting projects that contribute to advancing sustainable agricultural practices and improving food security in the region. In this context, the “Climate-Resilient Potatoes – Andespapa” project, funded by FONTAGRO, is making a significant impact in the rural parishes of Malchinguí and Tocachi, in Pichincha Province, Ecuador. Led by the Central University of Ecuador, the project aims to evaluate approximately 30 advanced potato clones from the International Potato Center (CIP), with the active participation of local farmers.
Recently, the project took an important step by establishing Local Agricultural Research Committees (CIAL) in Malchinguí. This initiative fosters collaboration among farmers, researchers, and students, providing a space for applied research and knowledge exchange.
In January 2025, farmers participated in a hands-on workshop focused on preparing organic fertilizers, including bocashi, compost tea, and microalgae, which are key tools for more sustainable potato cultivation. Participants also observed laboratory and greenhouse processes for multiplication and seed production of advanced potato clones and 17 segregating families, all with high genetic merit from CIP. These clones will be evaluated for drought tolerance, addressing climate change and enhancing agricultural productivity.
This workshop complemented the virtual training session “Rapid Multiplication Techniques in the Laboratory and Greenhouse for Potato Seed-Tuber Production,” which aimed to update participants on rapid multiplication techniques and their applications.
The project will continue strengthening CIALs and conducting additional trials to assess the adaptability of new potato varieties under extreme climatic conditions. Farmers in Malchinguí and Tocachi will keep applying the acquired practices and engaging in ongoing research to enhance their crops’ resilience.
Watch the event highlights at: https://youtu.be/R5NUj66h1Os
To learn more about this project, visit: https://www.fontagro.org/new/proyectos/Papasresilentes/en
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About FONTAGRO
FONTAGRO was created 1998 with the purpose of promoting the increase of the competitiveness of the agri-food sector, ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources and the reduction of poverty in the region. The objective of FONTAGRO is to establish itself as a sustainable financing mechanism for the development of agricultural technology and innovation in Latin America and the Caribbean and Spain, and to establish a forum for the discussion of priority topics of technological innovation. The member countries are: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Spain, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, Uruguay and Venezuela. In the last 27 years 204 regional agricultural innovation platforms have been co-financed for an amount of US $ 150.7 million, which has reached 531 institutions and 35 countries worldwide.