Anniversaries are an occasion to remember the past and look into the future. The International Potato Center (CIP) recently celebrated an important date - the 50th anniversary of its founding. At an event called "Agrobiodiversity for people" brought together scholars and practitioners from around the world to focus on the role of the Andean region in transforming food systems based on its unique agro-biodiversity.
The event brought together speakers from CIP, CGIAR and local partners who focused on the importance of agro-biodiversity for food security and nutrition, social inclusion in market systems and environmental protection.
CIP also took the opportunity to launch two new books highlighting the contribution of agro-biodiversity to our diets. These unique books are the result of the collaboration of over 100 researchers, chefs and photographers from the Andean region and beyond.
In her welcoming statement, CIP CEO Barbara Wells emphasized that genetic advances leading to improved roots and tubers, as well as agro-food systems, were made possible by agro-biodiversity. Emphasizing the role of conservation, Wells noted that the CIP genebank provides more than 5000 collectible accessions each year to help breeders develop nutritious and climate-resilient potatoes.
“Through collaboration and capacity building with national partners and the private sector, CIP has helped more than two million small farmers increase their yields with our potato varieties,” said Wells.