Peru (Áncash): Delegations from Bolivia and Chile exchanged experiences on native potatoes
Seed guardian producers arrived in Peru to share experiences on the conservation, cultivation, and study of ancestral potato varieties in their countries.
Delegations from Bolivia and Chile, made up of farmers and native seed guardians, arrived in Peru as part of an international meeting seeking to strengthen the exchange of knowledge on the conservation of native potatoes, considered a fundamental biogenetic heritage for food security.
From Bolivia, Miguel Ortega, a representative of the highland farmers, noted that nearly 2,000 varieties of native potatoes are grown in his country, both sweet and bitter, adapted to different microclimates. “Our knowledge comes from generations. In Bolivia, producers work to preserve these potatoes, some of which are medicinal, like the purple ones, which have a high iron content. However, we don’t receive support from the Ministry of Agriculture as we do in Peru,” he explained.
The Chilean delegation was represented by Jessica Cartis, who emphasized that the greatest diversity of native potatoes in her country is found on an island in southern Chile. "We are accompanied by the University of Chile, which supports us in genetic studies, variety breeding, and conservation. Currently, we have identified and maintained around 280 types of potatoes, evaluating their performance over time," she explained.
Both delegations emphasized the value of these meetings as opportunities to strengthen family farming and share traditional and scientific techniques. However, they regretted that, due to international health restrictions, they are unable to physically exchange seeds to prevent the spread of plant diseases.
The meeting reaffirms the importance of cooperation among Andean countries in protecting biodiversity and ancestral knowledge, especially in the context of climate change that threatens traditional crops such as potatoes.
Fuente:
