Spain became a member of FONTAGRO in 2008 with a contribution of US$ 14.72 million. During 12 years of membership, Spain has participated in 12 consortiums for US$ 10.9 million, of which US$ 3.5 million were contributed by FONTAGRO and other agencies. Spain has led 2 consortiums for US$ 2.4 million. The projects in which Spain has participated have included research and technological development for potatoes, corn, fruit trees, Solanaceae and adaptation to climate change.
Some important results:
- 68 commercial potato varieties were identified due to their adaptation to adverse weather conditions.
- 31 superior alleles of candidate genes for tolerance to abiotic stresses with potential to increase yield up to 50 %, in certain cases, were identifyed.
- The potential of increasing the farmer’s benefit by 30 % was identified by establishing the production of seed potatoes in the autumn after cereal with varieties adapted to the cold.
- 990 farmers were trained in the use of recommended potato varieties.
- Area increase planted with recommended varieties / clones (1200 Ha).
STRENGTHENING
- The platforms increased the efficiency and effectiveness of research and innovation, strengthening the capacities of researchers.
- Technical, organizational and institutional strengthening at national and international level.
- Access to partnerships for projects with national and international institutions such as the International Center for the Improvement of Maize and Wheat (CIMMYT), the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT),
University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, INIA of Chile, CORPOICA de Colombia, among others. - The FONTAGRO projects generate privileged and free access to technologies, contacts, publications, case
studies and international networks.