Code:
FTG/RF-0513-RG
Initiative:
Call for Proposals
FONTAGRO Amount:
USD 500.000
Counterpart Amount:
USD 566.405
Execution time
36 Months
Total Amount:
USD 1.066.405
Participating countries:
Ecuador Ecuador Bolivia Bolivia Colombia Colombia Peru Peru Venezuela Venezuela
Funding source:
FONTAGRO Amount 47% Other agencies 0% Counterpart Amount 53%

Executive Summary

The project has acted as a convener to bring together different actors interested in the rescue, promotion and incorporation of native Andean potatoes for new uses and markets. It was executed in a consortium by PROINPA (Bolivia); CORPOICA (Colombia); the National Roots Program and INIAP (Ecuador); INIA and Practical Solutions (ITDG) (Peru); and INIA (Venezuela). The objective was to improve the quality of life of small-scale producers of native potatoes in the Andean region, through the incorporation of technological innovations into their production systems and -taking advantage of existing biodiversity-  attempt to access new markets.
 In each country, the development of the planned agenda was a learning experience in the context of their own environmental and socioeconomic circumstances; undoubtedly the initial building blocks have been established for new commercial ventures within potato producing communities. Native potato varieties that were not found in urban markets are frequently available today to consumers. Products that were previously discarded for animal feed, today are present in supermarkets as gourmet potatoes, reaching prices of 0.8 USD / kg. Large tubers, due to their better quality, often achieve a 15% extra income, which means an additional USD 180 / ha. 


The technological solution

The technological solution was based on both science and art, both necessary elements not only when you want to improve a crop but also when you are trying to add value and reach new markets. From a science point of view, the solution point of departure was the identification and characterization of a wide range of the diversity of native potatoes in the Andes, based on criteria defined a priori: morphological, agronomic, organoleptic and functional. The key result was the identification of superior germplasm with characteristics of commercial interest, as well as a new range of cultural practices aimed at achieving greater productivity. 

The other creative element was the development and evaluation of innovative products with the support of renowned chefs and kitchen managers. These products have entered the market. As an element of particular interest "Andean Root, Tuberous and Medicinal Plants Biodiversity Fair" has been institutionalized. 


Results

The Project considered a characterization of the diversity of native potatoes, the development and promotion of products for new markets, technological innovations in production and post-harvest, and the strengthening of producer organizations, as indicated below: 

  •  573 native potato cultivars were identified, characterized according to morphological, agronomic, organoleptic and functional attributes, and for industrial and gastronomic use. A catalog by country was prepared. 
  •  New products developed and promoted include gourmet canned potatoes, fresh produce for restaurants, fried chips using colored potatoes, dehydrated and frozen potatoes. 
  • Technological innovations focused on biological control strategies, tuber cleaning, sprouting inhibition, bio-product management, quality seed production and fertilization. 
  •  The link between producers and new markets was strengthened through workshops and internships that improved managerial capacity, the creation of public-private alliances, the analysis of agrifood chains, and support for convening platforms. 

Beneficiaries

The participatory development of the project managed to involve many actors. Considering all the countries, it was possible to reach 2,276 direct beneficiaries, 2,100 indirect beneficiaries, and nearly 100 chefs and kitchen managers. The yield of native gourmet increased by 20% in several communities, also improving the quality of the tubers. Market access was based on products such as Kiwa-branded colored flakes, as well as gourmet restaurants and supermarkets. Since 2009, native potato flakes with colored pulp have been sold to fair trade in France through the company "Ethiquable". 

 


Sustainable Development Goals

Industry, innovation and infrastructure Responsible consumption and production Life on land

Main donors

Participating Organizations

Executor
  • Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (INIAP) - Ecuador
Co-executor
  • Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria (CORPOICA) - Colombia
  • Intermediate Technology Development Group (ITDG) - Perú
  • Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria (INIA) - Perú
  • Fundación para la Promoción e Investigación de Productos Andinos (PROINPA) - Bolivia
  • Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agrícolas (INIA) - Venezuela

Graphics and data

Financing by country (in USD)
FONTAGRO Amount Other agencies Counterpart Amount

Geolocated Map

Sponsors
BID
IICA
With the support of
Fondo Coreano de Alianza para el Conocimiento en Tecnología e Innovación (KPK)