On March 5, ANPROS and the Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA) held a meeting to enhance their collaboration in key areas essential for the country’s agricultural development.
Representing INIA were National Director Carlos Furche and National Deputy Director of Research Christian Alfaro. On behalf of ANPROS, attendees included President José Ignacio Salazar, Executive Director Mario Schindler, and Communications Manager María Paz Gana.
During the meeting, Mario Schindler provided an update centered on three key areas: the current state of the seed industry, including relevant sector data; ANPROS’ main areas of focus, highlighting priority issues at both national and international levels; and the organization’s engagement in global initiatives to foster innovation and seed trade through collaboration with industry organizations and associations, according to a press release.
At the national level, Schindler emphasized ANPROS’ strong partnership with SAG in areas such as phytosanitary surveillance, certification, and exports. He also underscored the importance of strengthening plant breeding initiatives, protecting genetic resources, ensuring the sector’s sustainability, and combating illegal trade. Finally, he highlighted the long-standing collaboration between INIA and ANPROS, reinforcing their commitment to continued joint efforts in these critical areas.
Carlos Furche emphasized the importance of the ongoing collaboration between INIA and ANPROS, particularly in advancing plant breeding and protecting genetic resources. He reaffirmed INIA’s commitment to strengthening genetic banks as a key priority during his tenure and highlighted the progress being made in New Breeding Techniques (NBTs). Regarding their significance, he stated, “This is the future of agriculture… well, it is actually the present.”
Christian Alfaro echoed this sentiment, underscoring the Ministry of Agriculture’s mandate to enhance genetic resources and plant breeding. He also highlighted INIA’s continuous efforts in developing new crop varieties, with several currently in progress, including research utilizing NBTs.
The meeting reinforced the shared commitment of both organizations to driving innovation and sustainable agricultural development, with a strong focus on plant breeding and the conservation of genetic resources.
