FONTAGRO, together with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), and the Crop Trust, led a significant international workshop on Local Seed Banks in Mexico. Experts and participants from various countries gathered to discuss and promote seed conservation and biological diversity.
During a three-day event at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) facilities in Texcoco, Mexico, representatives from agricultural research institutes belonging to FONTAGRO, such as INTA (Argentina), INIA (Chile), INTA (Costa Rica), AGROSAVIA (Colombia), INIA (Peru), INIA (Venezuela), IDIAP (Panama), IDIAFRD (Dominican Republic), INIAP (Ecuador), and IPTA (Paraguay), presented the seed conservation and production systems they have implemented in their respective countries with support from FONTAGRO funds.
In their keynote presentations, they emphasized the importance of preserving the genetic diversity of seeds and promoting agricultural innovation to address climate change. Detailed diagnostics on the seed conservation and production systems in various countries were also shared, allowing for the identification of areas for improvement and potential synergies.
Representatives from the National Institute of Forestry, Agricultural, and Livestock Research (INIFAP) and the National Seed Inspection and Certification Service of Mexico shared their experiences working with local seed banks in their country, highlighting the conservation of native varieties and their integration into the national seed system.
Additionally, field trips were conducted, which were notable for their relevance and impact on preserving local biodiversity and strengthening seed systems:
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Visit to the Learning and Participatory Improvement Plot for Native Maize in Tulyehualco, Xochimilco. This experience provided insights into the participatory improvement process involving farmers and academia.
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Tour of the Toxinachcal Seed House and Other Productive Areas at the Biodiversity Preservation Center in Mexico City. This visit offered an opportunity to learn about the operation of the Seed House and the Seed Guardians Network within the framework of the biodiversity preservation strategy, highlighting the components of an ex-situ preservation strategy.
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Visit to the Community Seed House in San Pedro Atocpan and Dialogue with the Network of Community Seed Houses. This enriching experience allowed participants to see the operation of the Seed House and the Seed Guardians Network up close. Participants had the chance to engage with the Community Seed Houses Network, thus strengthening collaboration and knowledge exchange.
This workshop not only contributed to the learning and dissemination of successful seed conservation practices but also fostered collaboration and the exchange of experiences among participants, thereby strengthening ties in support of biological diversity preservation in the region.
