Strengthening the Production, Use, and Dissemination of Certified Seed Potatoes in Latin America and the Caribbean: Key Strategies for Food Security

Executive Summary

The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the three most consumed foods in the world and a cornerstone of food security, especially in developing countries. In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), its region of origin, it is cultivated by more than a million producers. However, yields in most Latin American countries are low, mainly due to the use of low-quality seed, which often presents sanitary, physiological, and genetic issues. To address this challenge, several LAC countries have joined efforts in this project, which aims to improve potato production in both quantity and quality by increasing access to certified seed potatoes. The project seeks to achieve three main outcomes: 1. Increase the use of certified seed by 5% to 20%. 2. Raise potato production in participating countries by 10%. 3. Expand regional trade of certified seed by 10%. To promote adoption, farmers will receive training through comparative trials using traditional seed commonly used by producers. These trials will be scientifically designed and conducted in various agroecological zones. The project will also include workshops, talks, and informational materials in both digital and printed formats. To boost the production and availability of certified seed, producers, families, technicians, and advisors will be trained in the technological, scientific, and legal aspects of its production, use, and commercialization. Special emphasis will be placed on the participation of women and young people. The initiative is expected to directly benefit 2,500 people and indirectly impact 37,300. Additionally, the project will evaluate the creation of new differentiated areas in four pilot countries, analyzing the presence of pests, diseases, and virus vectors as selection criteria. Finally, to improve the future availability of certified seed, regional trade among LAC countries will be promoted by harmonizing inspection standards and phytosanitary requirements, following the standards of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). The proposal will be made available to national health agencies for potential adoption and could lay the foundation for a regional agreement. Through its strategies and innovations, this project will make a significant contribution to improving nutrition and food security in LAC.

The technological solution

The proposed technological solution involves the use of certified seed potatoes by ware potato producers. It also aims to increase the number of certified seed potato producers, the yield, and the commercialization of this technology by those who already produce it. Furthermore, it focuses on valuing and developing differentiated areas for such production and harmonizing Certification Standards in Latin America and the Caribbean. These solutions will facilitate the availability of seed and the volume of ware potatoes for the population, thereby producing a significant social, economic, and food security impact throughout the region.

Results

Beneficiaries

The project is expected to reach 2,500 direct beneficiaries (seed and ware potato producers) through human resource training activities such as courses, talks, demonstration trials, and other activities, of which it is estimated that at least 20% will be women and young people. In addition to the direct beneficiaries (producers), another 1,230 technicians, advisors, and professionals, both private and public (indirect beneficiaries), will be trained, totalling 3,730 people. Each of them is expected to multiply by 10 the number of people reached with the knowledge acquired in the project’s training activities, bringing the total estimated indirect beneficiaries to 37,300. Four main sectors are identified as potential beneficiaries: a) seed potato producers in each country (not directly involved in the project), by increasing their possibilities for national and international trade; b) ware potato producers by having knowledge and being able to access certified seed potatoes more easily at a lower cost; c) industries (small and large companies); and d) potato consumers, since the adoption of the proposed technologies is aimed at the food security of the population.

Sustainable Development Goals

Main donors

Dissemination products