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Location: Americas

CIMMYT has several offices in the Americas, including global headquarters in Mexico and a regional office in Colombia. Activities are supported by an additional 140 hectares of stations in diverse agro-ecological zones of Mexico. CIMMYT’s genebank in Mexico stores 27,000 maize and 170,000 wheat seed collections – key to preserving the crop genetic diversity of the region. CIMMYT projects range from developing nutritionally enhanced maize to mapping regional climate change hot spots in Central America. The comprehensive MasAgro project aims to increase wheat production in Mexico by 9 million tons and maize production by 350,000 tons by 2030. CIMMYT promotes regional collaboration and facilitates capacity building for scientists, researchers and technicians.

Positive Solutions for Nature in Colombia: A Review

Written by dmedina on . Posted in News.

In a world where environmental and agrifood challenges demand urgent responses, the CGIAR-led Positive Solutions for Nature (Nature+) initiative is transforming agriculture into a catalyst for ecological regeneration and sustainable development.

In Colombia, CIMMYT has played a key role in implementing several activities under this initiative. These efforts have not only improved agricultural productivity but also promoted biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, and the strengthening of rural communities—with a special focus on youth, women, and native maize.

One of the first steps in Colombia was conducting a diagnosis and mapping key actors within agrifood systems across different regions. This assessment identified major challenges such as limited access to native seeds, soil degradation, and lack of access to fair market opportunities for smallholder farmers.

To ensure that promoted practices aligned with local realities and needs, CIMMYT worked closely with farmers to co-create solutions. A significant example was the support given to women producers to conserve native maize varieties. Workshops held in Cesar, Nariño, Putumayo, and Valle del Cauca included childcare spaces, enabling full participation by women.

Another important milestone was facilitating dialogue between producers and niche markets, helping connect farmers growing native maize with potential buyers. This has been key to revitalizing the value chain for these crops. In parallel, twelve community seed banks were strengthened in various regions, ensuring the availability of native varieties and encouraging intergenerational knowledge exchange.

CIMMYT also conducted extensive training activities, benefiting hundreds of farmers in the post-harvest management of native grains and seeds. In workshops held during 2023 and 2024, over 780 producers—many of them women—received training in practices such as harvesting, drying, shelling, and hermetic storage, which reduced post-harvest losses and improved seed quality.

Infrastructure improvements further supported these efforts. One standout example is the YEL-PUE Cumbe seed bank in Cumbal, Nariño—established with support from CIMMYT and the Bioversity-CIAT Alliance. This seed bank not only conserves agricultural biodiversity but also serves as an intergenerational learning hub, where farmers, students, and technicians share experiences and knowledge.

A key component of the initiative has been youth participation. Through collaboration with the José María Falla Educational Institution and youth networks like Herederos del Planeta, students have engaged in agroecological maize production. This involvement fosters stronger rural ties and ensures the continuity of traditional knowledge for future generations.

While challenges remain, the implementation of Positive Solutions for Nature in Colombia has demonstrated that agricultural production can go hand in hand with environmental conservation and community well-being. Thanks to collaborations with research centers such as CIMMYT, many Colombian farmers are now adopting regenerative practices, enhancing agrobiodiversity and boosting resilience to both climate and economic shocks.

Looking ahead, these efforts will continue within the CGIAR Multifunctional Landscapes Science Program. CIMMYT, in collaboration with other CGIAR centers, will focus on participatory varietal selection, business models to enhance the value of agrobiodiversity, connections to niche markets, and the empowerment of women as agents of biodiversity conservation.

Sistema tradicional maíz-frijol en Valledupar, Cesar, Colombia

Caring for the Earth to Secure the Future

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

The first leaves of a crop emerging through crop residue. (Photo: CIMMYT)

“The conventional way we used to prepare the land involved heavy soil disturbance, and now we see that’s not necessary. We used pesticides that were, let’s say, not kind to the soil. Now, we are becoming increasingly mindful of the environment — and it turns out to be more profitable. Today, I wouldn’t dare use a pesticide or any polluting product that could harm people or the environment.”

Leopoldo is a farmer from Sinaloa participating in the Supporting Responsible Sourcing in Mexico project — a collaboration between Kellogg Company and CIMMYT. For him, ceasing the practice of burning crop residues and instead using them to cover and protect the soil from erosion signifies a shift in values and a better way of practicing agriculture — one that actively contributes to regenerating the Earth.

The agronomic innovations adopted by farmers involved in the project promote a more balanced relationship with nature, aiming to strengthen a responsible sourcing model that ensures equilibrium between the economic, social, and environmental needs of both current and future generations. This contributes to a more sustainable production and consumption model, capable of feeding a growing global population within planetary boundaries.

If current patterns of production and consumption persist, it is estimated that in less than 30 years we would require the resources of three Earths to meet global needs. The rising scarcity of water and the reduction in arable land—driven by urban expansion and soil degradation—are clear reminders that our planet’s natural resources are finite. These facts underline the urgent need to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices in agrifood systems.

Within the observance of International Mother Earth Day, efforts like the Supporting Responsible Sourcing in Mexico project serve as a reminder of the importance of forging a new relationship with the planet. Above all, they emphasize recognizing the Earth and its ecosystems as the shared home of all humanity. Failing to care for this home could lead us into further crises — in health, socioeconomic stability, and food security — and agriculture offers powerful solutions to safeguard this common home.

Globally, the agriculture sector is responsible for 24% of greenhouse gas emissions — which contribute to climate change — and 70% of freshwater withdrawals from rivers, lakes, and aquifers. Additionally, for every 1°C increase in global temperature, cereal yields are estimated to decrease by about 5%. Therefore, a new model of sustainable production and consumption must aim for reduced environmental impact, while increasing productivity and delivering benefits for farmers.

The Conservation Agriculture practices promoted by the Kellogg-CIMMYT project are advancing these goals: in just three years of work in Sinaloa and Guanajuato, nearly 7,000 hectares have adopted sustainable agricultural practices, leading to a 36% increase in average maize productivity. In 2021 alone, more than 350 farmers were engaged across over 2,400 hectares, producing nearly 26,000 tons of yellow maize through sustainable intensification technologies.

Looking ahead, the initiative aims to impact around 20,000 hectares to produce close to 180,000 tons of maize with a reduced carbon footprint. Already, farmers have achieved reductions in fuel use for grain production and improved water-use efficiency in irrigation.

“We save on machinery, on fuel, on agrochemicals, and on fertilizers. Now we produce with higher quality and at a lower cost because we practice minimal tillage. They also teach us integrated pest management and even how to optimize fertilizer use,” says Leopoldo, highlighting a system that also eliminates crop burning, one of the leading causes of wildfires.

By providing farmers with the knowledge and tools they need to integrate sustainable production methods, we benefit not only the Earth — but all of humanity.

CIMMYT and IICA Partner to Strengthen Agricultural Innovation and Economic Growth in the Americas

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Press releases.

Nairobi, 2025 – The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and CIMMYT have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance agricultural research, innovation, and trade across the Americas. 

This strategic partnership aims to advance productivity, resilience, and economic opportunities for farmers by leveraging science, technology, and strong international collaboration. The MoU focuses on key areas such as innovation and bioeconomy, trade and regional integration, climate-resilient agriculture, family farming, agrifood digitalization, and agricultural health and safety. 

Dr. Bram Govaerts, Director General of CIMMYT, highlighted the importance of innovation and market-driven solutions: “Partnerships like CIMMYT–IICA turn science into scale. Together, we’re accelerating innovation, supporting farmers, and strengthening food systems across the Americas—because global challenges demand connected solutions.” 

Dr. Manuel Otero, Director General of IICA, added: “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to strengthening agricultural resilience, enhancing food security, and promoting economic growth in rural areas. With the increasing global demand for transforming food systems, IICA views this partnership as another testimony to its commitment to ensuring that farmers and agribusinesses across the Americas benefit from science, innovation and responsible resource management .” 

Through this agreement, CIMMYT and IICA will implement joint research initiatives, promote knowledge exchange, and support innovation-driven solutions that empower farmers, enhance supply chains, and expand market opportunities. 

For more information, visit iica.int and cimmyt.org 

Colombia moves toward a more sustainable agriculture with the Hub methodology

Written by dmedina on . Posted in News.

In Colombia, the path towards a more sustainable and resilient agriculture is gaining unprecedented momentum. Thanks to the implementation of the Sustainable Agrifood Colombia project, various national and international institutions are collaborating to strengthen food security and agricultural productivity through technological innovations and knowledge management models. Among these collaborations is the Hub methodology, an innovation management model developed in Mexico by CIMMYT, in conjunction with various stakeholders, which is already being successfully replicated in Guatemala, Honduras, and several African countries.

Researchers from CIMMYT engage in dialogue with Colombian technicians and producers (Photo: Sustainable Agrifood Colombia)

The project, coordinated by the Bioversity & CIAT Alliance, has 18 strategic partners for its execution, among which Agrosavia, CIMMYT, and Fenalce contribute to the maize production system. The objective is to transform the Colombian agri-food sector through the adoption of sustainable agricultural technologies and the strengthening of collaboration networks among producers, researchers, and other key stakeholders.

To this end, pilot regions have been identified where the Hub methodology is implemented, promoting knowledge sharing, validation of innovative practices, and capacity building.

The project articulation meetings and field visits were held in Colombia’s main corn-producing regions: northern Valle del Cauca, Tolima, and Córdoba. During these visits, teams from the Bioversity & CIAT Alliance, AGROSAVIA, Fenalce, and CIMMYT evaluated production conditions, identified strengths and areas of opportunity, and designed strategies for consolidating the innovation territories.

One of the most significant results of these evaluations was the definition of a training plan for producers, researchers, and technicians. This plan, which has already taken its first steps, seeks to provide local stakeholders with tools to improve maize crop yields through sustainable agronomic practices, pest management, and seed conservation.

In November, three workshops were held in different regions of the country. The first two were held in La Unión, Valle del Cauca, and in Montería, Córdoba, with the aim of identifying and involving key stakeholders in the maize production system. The third, held in Vereda Nueva Platanera, Tierralta, Córdoba, focused on seed production and conservation for small producers. Based on these events, a mapping of actors was carried out in order to analyze the interactions within the maize production network. This exercise made it possible to evaluate the degree of innovation adopted by farmers and the influence of different actors, such as technicians, companies, universities, and government institutions, in the dissemination of knowledge and the adoption of sustainable technologies.

The results of these workshops have been encouraging. To date, 220 people have been trained on key issues such as pest management (particularly Dalbulus maydis, which has recently been a serious problem), seed production and conservation, and climate change adaptation strategies. In addition, stakeholder mapping has facilitated the identification of opportunities to strengthen collaborative networks and promote the adoption of innovations in the production system.

One of the key lessons learned has been the importance of constant monitoring in the implementation of sustainable management strategies. Workshop participants have highlighted the need to generate training spaces from the initial stages of cultivation, including the preparation of plots for planting, to maximize the benefits of sustainable practices.

The Hub approach, which has proven to be an effective model in Mexico and other countries, is making significant progress in Colombia. By connecting the actors in the maize value chain, facilitating the generation and socialization of knowledge, and driving innovation from the local level, this methodology represents a comprehensive solution to address the country’s agricultural challenges.

With the coordinated work of institutions, producers, and scientists, Colombia is laying the foundations for a more resilient and competitive agri-food sector. CIMMYT’s experience in implementing the Hub methodology in different regions of the world is an example of how science, innovation, and collaboration can transform the future of Colombian agriculture.

Trade Partnerships and Industry Milestones

Written by dmedina on . Posted in In the media.

The State of Mexico is supporting native corn preservation by providing MX$3.5 million in financial aid and equipment to local farmers. In collaboration with CIMMYT and UNAM, the government is advancing research to improve open-pollinated varieties and promote sustainable farming. As part of this effort, 833 seed accessions have been donated to enhance biodiversity and strengthen traditional maize cultivation. This initiative aims to support farmers while preserving Mexico’s rich maize heritage.

Read the full story.

The land that gives life: Tomasa and Fabián’s plot

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

Somewhere in the enchanted valley of Santa Catarina Lachatao, Oaxaca, under the vast blue sky and in the heart of a land full of history and hope, Fabián Marcos Cano and Tomasa García Pérez are working toward the future they have long envisioned, their hands deep in the soil. In this land, where the Zapotec language gives its name to the territory, each seed sown by their hands is an act of trust.

Fabián, his gaze marked by years of experience, speaks of his land with the pride of someone who has learned to listen to the voice of the earth. “We used to plant the way God guided us,” he says, recalling the days when farming was a practice of intuition and inherited wisdom.

Today, with the support of SEFADER technicians like Reinalda Gómez and her team, they have transformed their approach to farming. Fabián and Tomasa have learned to respect the rhythms of the soil, to give back what they take, and to see each plant through a new lens. “It’s like food for food,” Fabián explains.

Corn and beans grow unhurriedly in their fields. The land is enriched with crop residues that were once fed only to livestock, along with compost that was once discarded. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s our life,” says Fabián, with the firm determination of someone who understands that effort is part of the cycle.

For Tomasa, each harvest is a link to her ancestors. “The land gives us life,” she says with unwavering certainty. In her fields, milpa thrives alongside squash, beans, amaranth, and purslane, in a balance that requires patience and respect. She has learned to let nature do its work, to understand that burning fields robs the soil of its ability to renew itself. “We pile up the weeds, let them decompose, and that’s how the land nourishes itself,” she explains.

The journey has not been easy. Last year, a violent storm destroyed much of their crop. “It grew beautifully, but the wind tore everything down,” Fabián recalls with resignation. But they are not giving up. “We make do with what God gives us, because it is more than enough for us.” What remains is harvested as seed for the next cycle.

Every application of bio-inputs, every crop diversification, every lesson shared by agricultural engineers has changed their way of farming and their understanding of life. The land, once seen as an adversary that imposed its own rules, is now an ally that responds generously to care.

The story of Fabián and Tomasa is a testament to resilience and learning. It is proof that agriculture can be different, that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand. Because in every bean they harvest, in every ear of corn they save for the next cycle, there is a valuable lesson: the land gives back what it receives. And in Santa Catarina, under the sun that shines on Fabián and Tomasa’s fields, life flourishes with strength.

Scientific careers that are transforming the future of food for humanity

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

María Luisa Cabrera in the laboratory where she conducts her research at CIMMYT. (Photo: Francisco Alarcón / CIMMYT)

The progress of science and technology depends on the diversity of talent that contributes to its development. However, the participation of women in fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) remains limited. In Mexico, only 22% of women enrolled in higher education choose STEM fields, and according to the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO), only 13.5% graduate.

This situation presents both challenges and opportunities. Science, especially in critical areas such as food security and nutrition, needs a greater presence of women to drive significant change. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has highlighted the urgency of integrating more women researchers into agricultural science to accelerate innovations that improve production and the well-being of rural communities.

One example of the transformative impact of women in science is María Luisa Cabrera Soto. Since childhood, Luisa was inspired by female scientists she saw in the media, which fueled her dream of working in a laboratory. “These women were my reference, my source of inspiration. I visualized myself and said, ‘I want to work in a lab.'” But her journey was not easy. Coming from a family with traditional gender expectations, she faced resistance to her desire to pursue a career in science.

The first obstacle she encountered was her family’s outright disapproval. “I come from a family of six women and a patriarchal figure. Hearing phrases like ‘you are not capable of studying something as complex as science or mathematics’ was the first barrier I had to overcome,” she recalls.
“I had to break these family stigmas, these traditions, and say to myself: ‘I am capable of studying what motivates and inspires me, which is science. Being a woman does not limit me to domestic activities.'”

Today, the girl who once dreamed of working in a laboratory is part of the CIMMYT research team. As a research assistant, her work in chromatography—a process that allows the separation, identification, and quantification of chemical components in various mixtures—helps assess the nutritional quality of various crops, primarily maize. Her work has a direct impact on the nutrition and health of various populations, as well as the livelihoods of agricultural producers.

María Luisa’s story has become an inspiration to her sisters, who have also ventured into the world of science, demonstrating how one personal choice can inspire change across generations. “I broke the paradigm in my family, and fortunately my four younger sisters also chose science. It was a change that broke down a major barrier in my home.”

Through their scientific work, Luisa and other female researchers at CIMMYT are making a significant contribution to improving the human condition in a sector where women play a critical role in food production and security, from the field to the laboratory.

The low percentage of women in STEM fields in Mexico and globally is not only an issue of equity—it is also an obstacle to developing innovative solutions in key sectors. According to UNESCO, only 33.3% of researchers worldwide are women. Luisa’s message to girls and young women in Mexico is clear: “Follow your dreams, question the world, and don’t let social ideologies or family traditions dampen your curiosity and enthusiasm. More and more women are joining this field, and we must support one another.”

Tecnologico De Monterrey Develops Nutraceutical Corn to Address the Global Food Crisis and Improve Health

Written by dmedina on . Posted in In the media.

CIMMYT collaborated with Tecnologico de Monterrey’s FEMSA Biotechnology Center in the development and validation of nutraceutical corn. By leveraging Mexico’s maize diversity through the world’s largest germplasm bank, CIMMYT contributed expertise in crossbreeding to help incorporate traits such as higher protein, fatty acids, and antioxidants, supporting advancements in food security and sustainable agriculture.

Read the full story.

Julio Berdegué Sacristán

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Julio Berdegué Sacristán is Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development and serves ex officio as Honorary Chair of the Board of Trustees.

An accomplished agronomist with advanced degrees from UC Davis and Wageningen University, Dr. Julio Berdegué brings over 30 years of expertise in rural development and agricultural policy. He has held prominent roles, including leading food security initiatives in Latin America as FAO’s Regional Representative (2017–2022) and serving in various leadership positions at the Latin American Center for Rural Development (1988–2016).

He has led over 15 major projects across Latin America, published 13 books, and authored more than 300 scientific works. Recently, he coordinated rural development and food sovereignty discussions in Claudia Sheinbaum’s Diálogos por la Transformación campaign.

The other revolution that was born in Mexico: The legacy of sustainable transformation and its new roots

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

Members of the Maíz Criollo Kantunil group next to a plot of land cultivated using sustainable practices (Photo: Jenifer Morales/CIMMYT)

The Mexican Revolution was not the only transformative movement to emerge in Mexico. Another profound transformation began in the Mexican countryside, and today, far from guns, today it continues to drive a more peaceful and resilient society through the integration of science, innovation and ancestral knowledge. 

In the 1960s, Mexico set a precedent for global agricultural change. Today, that movement has evolved into a sustainability approach that responds to today’s challenges: climate change, biodiversity loss and the need to ensure food security. Under CIMMYT’s leadership, the Hub model has established itself as a key tool for delivering scientific solutions to producers, strengthening resilient and sustainable agricultural systems. 

At CIMMYT, we believe that ensuring food security means not only producing healthier food but also conserving natural resources such as soil and water and promoting the well-being of farmers and their communities. Through the Hub model, we have promoted practices such as the sustainable management of staple crops such as maize and related crops, and the use of strategies to strengthen the seed system to meet the challenges of the agricultural sector. 

A clear example of this approach is the Maíz Criollo Kantunil group in Yucatán. Led by Edgar Miranda, this collective of eight families has adopted innovative practices such as regenerative agriculture, efficient water use and agroecological pest management. By linking with the Hub model, the group has been able to conserve native seeds, strengthen local agroecology and generate social and productive benefits for their community. 

“Our main objective is that the next generations will have seeds available to meet their food needs,” said Edgar Miranda. “We work with sustainable practices that allow us to conserve our resources and produce healthy crops,” he added. 

In addition to supporting producers, the Hub model fosters associativity and community participation, essential pillars for building inclusive and resilient food systems. These activities are in line with national initiatives such as strengthening production chains, but also reflect CIMMYT’s commitment to a global approach to sustainable development. 

CIMMYT’s strategy in Mexico not only supports producers in transforming their agricultural systems, but also promotes strategic alliances with public and private actors. These collaborations strengthen the integration of scientific solutions and sustainable practices, stimulate innovation in rural communities, and promote resilience to the challenges of climate change. With an approach based on science, inclusiveness and continuous learning, CIMMYT continues to contribute to building a more equitable, sustainable and prosperous future for Mexico and the world. 

Sustainable Agri-Food Colombia: a boost for resilient agriculture

Written by mcallejas on . Posted in News.

Biofortified corn crop in Colombia (Photo: CIMMYT)

CIMMYT, in collaboration with the Bioversity-CIAT Alliance and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Colombia, is contributing to the Sustainable Agri-Food Colombia project. This transformative initiative aims to reshape Colombia’s agricultural sector by fostering sustainable and resilient agri-food systems. Several research institutions are also part of this mission as strategic implementing partners.

The goal of Sustainable Agri-Food Colombia is to address the environmental and production challenges facing Colombian agriculture, while ensuring food security and sustainability. Through the implementation of innovative technologies, better agricultural practices and adaptation to climate change, it aims to improve the competitiveness of Colombian producers and reduce pressure on natural resources. In this sense, the project contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those related to climate action, life on earth and reducing inequalities. 

CIMMYT is collaborating in this project to join efforts to strengthen farmers’ capacities, as Sustainable Agri-Food Colombia focuses not only on agricultural production, but on the entire agri-food system, seeking to build more inclusive and efficient value chains, from production to the consumer, emphasizing community participation and knowledge transfer in an inclusive manner, involving women, youth and marginalized rural communities in decision-making processes and technology adoption. 

The collaboration between international CGIAR research centers, such as the Bioversity-CIAT Alliance and CIMMYT, together with key stakeholders in Colombia, demonstrates that the future of agriculture depends on an integrated vision that combines science, innovation and collaboration. This lays the foundation for transforming agriculture and food in Colombia for the benefit of people and the planet. 

CIMMYT at the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit 2024

Written by dmedina on . Posted in News.

At the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit, CIMMYT was distinguished through Jelle Van Loon, Juan Cortina, and Andrea Gardeazabal, who are driving collaboration, the use of open data, and regenerative practices to address the climate crisis and transform agriculture.

Jelle Van Loon during his participation in the panel “Transitioning to Regenerative Agriculture in Mexico: Corporate and Government Programs Supporting Small Growers to Adopt Climate-Smart Practices.” (Photo: Francisco Alarcón / CIMMYT)

At the recent World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit (October 29-30), two representatives and a member of CIMMYT’s Board of Directors—Jelle Van Loon (Associate Director of Sustainable Agri-Food Systems and Regional Representative for Latin America), Andrea Gardeazabal (Manager of Monitoring and Evaluation of Information and Communication Technology for Agriculture at CIMMYT), and Juan Cortina (member of CIMMYT’s Board of Directors and President of the National Agricultural Council)—shared a comprehensive view on the challenges and progress towards a more sustainable and resilient agriculture. The event brought together global leaders in technology, innovation, and sustainability, serving as a platform to highlight CIMMYT’s role in transforming the agri-food sector.

Andrea Gardeazabal, in her presentation, highlighted the urgency of addressing the climate crisis with actions based on data and collaboration. “With 10 years of data on regenerative practices, we are moving towards an agriculture that not only restores ecosystems but also responds to the challenges of climate change,” Andrea said. She emphasized the importance of creating an environment of open and standardized data access for regenerative agriculture to scale globally. Through a long-term testing network and the development of digital technologies, CIMMYT has laid the groundwork for practices that optimize agronomic management and improve water use efficiency—critical in the current context of water scarcity.

Andrea Gardeazabal, during her participation in the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit. (Photo: Francisco Alarcón / CIMMYT)

Juan Cortina underscored the importance of collaboration between Mexico and the United States for the growth of Mexico’s agri-food sector. He emphasized how nearshoring, promoted since the signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), has allowed Mexico to specialize in products that complement U.S. production. “Our country is the ninth-largest agricultural producer and the seventh-largest agro-exporter in the world, which demonstrates the impact of strategic collaboration in North America,” said Cortina. He also highlighted that this supply chain integration, strengthened by access to key inputs such as U.S. corn, is vital for the region’s food security.

Jelle Van Loon emphasized that CIMMYT’s role at the World Agri-Tech Summit reflects the organization’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. He highlighted how Andrea and Juan’s interventions underscored CIMMYT’s multidimensional approach: combining science and practice, applying advanced technology, and fostering global partnerships to accelerate agricultural transformation. “Our work at CIMMYT is an example of how collaboration and knowledge-sharing can have a real and lasting impact on agriculture and global food security,” concluded Jelle.

Juan Cortina, a member of CIMMYT’s Board of Directors, participates in the panel discussion “Capitalizing on Nearshoring: Alliances between Mexico and International Partners.” (Photo: Francisco Alarcón / CIMMYT)

CIMMYT’s message at the event was clear: to scale up regenerative agriculture and address climate challenges, we need more data, more collaboration, and a shared vision of the future. In Andrea’s words: “Safe and sustainable agricultural transformation will only be possible if we work together and share our progress and knowledge on a global scale.”

Innovation in the agricultural sector demonstrates that science, technology, and collaboration are essential to achieve resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agriculture. These forums encourage the agri-food sector to strengthen collaborative networks and food security, thus promoting a brighter agricultural future.

Rockefeller Foundation Invests in Nature to Support Indigenous Peoples and Rainforest Communities at COP29

Written by dmedina on . Posted in In the media.

At COP29, the Rockefeller Foundation highlighted its support for CIMMYT through a grant focused on advancing regenerative agricultural practices on farms in Mexico. This collaboration underscores CIMMYT’s pivotal role in driving sustainable farming solutions that enhance food security, environmental resilience, and biodiversity conservation. By integrating regenerative techniques into agrifood systems, CIMMYT contributes to global efforts to mitigate climate change while safeguarding the productivity and health of vital ecosystems.

Read the full story.

Climate Hits Barley, World Bank Boosts Gender Equality

Written by dmedina on . Posted in In the media.

Climate change-induced drought is jeopardizing barley production in Mexico’s Altiplano, which supplies 93% of the country’s barley, putting both local and global beer supplies at risk. To combat this, CIMMYT and Heineken Mexico have launched the “Cultivando un México Mejor” program, which promotes conservation agriculture practices to optimize water use, retain soil moisture, and increase yields. This initiative aims for 100% sustainably produced barley by 2030, helping farmers adapt to climate challenges while supporting the brewing industry’s sustainability goals.

Read the full story.

Mexico sends seeds to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault

Written by dmedina on . Posted in News.

Germplasm Bank team that participated in the new shipment of seeds to Svalbard (Photo: Jenifer Morales/CIMMYT)

In an act that underlines Mexico’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and global food security, CIMMYT has delivered its ninth shipment of maize seeds to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. This deposit marks a significant milestone, completing 90% of the maize collection and 92% of the wheat collection, making CIMMYT one of the leading custodians of the world’s agricultural biological heritage.

The Svalbard Vault, known as the “vault at the end of the world,” is an impressive repository located on a Norwegian island, more than 8,000 kilometers from Mexico. Its purpose is to store seeds from around the world to protect biodiversity from natural disasters, conflicts, or the effects of climate change. With this latest shipment, Mexico strengthens its role in conserving seeds that, in critical situations, could mean the difference between the collapse or resilience of global food systems.

Cristian Zavala, germplasm conservation specialist at CIMMYT, emphasized the importance of this shipment for the maize and wheat collections. “This shipment is essential to ensure the availability of seeds in the future,” said Zavala, alluding to the long process needed to complete the conservation of the collections. “While this is not the last shipment to Svalbard, it is a critical one to ensure the availability of the seed in the future,” he added.

These efforts are aimed not only at protecting the genetic diversity of these crops but also at ensuring that the seed is available for distribution. Zavala explained, “In addition to supporting 92% of this shipment, the wheat collection has reached 90% availability for distribution, which makes us eligible to participate in long-term funding.” This availability is key to ensuring food security and allows these seeds to be recovered and distributed to regions that may need repatriation.

The CIMMYT Germplasm Bank at Texcoco, which houses the largest and most diverse collections of maize and wheat in the world, serves not only Mexico but all of humanity. Protected as a “global good,” these seeds are available for research, agriculture, and education. “When we talk about a public good or a global good, we mean that all of humanity has the right to enjoy this diversity in a responsible way,” said Zavala.

The Svalbard Vault, with its ability to withstand natural disasters and other threats, is a guarantee to the countries that store their seed collections there. In Zavala’s words, “If this diversity is lost, only these types of gene banks can and will be able to return it to its place of origin.” This reflects the global and collaborative effort needed to conserve agricultural biodiversity.

This achievement is the result of a collective effort. “To make this shipment possible, a large team of people participated. This year, about 50 people supported this set of seeds,” said Zavala. Conservation of genetic resources is a team effort that involves many actors to ensure the availability of these seeds in the future.

The shipment to Svalbard is a reminder of the importance of gene banks as a critical tool in addressing the challenges of climate change and ensuring global food security. The seeds sent are not intended for immediate cultivation but will serve as a backup, ready to be used in the event of a disaster affecting the original collections. In this way, Mexico is contributing to a public good of inestimable value for all humanity.

In a world increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, biodiversity loss, or social instability, these shipments are more than just storage. They are an act of collective responsibility that will allow humanity to maintain its ability to feed and thrive.