Minister of Agriculture Visits the Turipaná Research Center to Highlight AGROSAVIA’s Role in Safeguarding the Country’s Genetic Resources

Cereté, Córdoba, September 2025. – The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Martha Carvajalino, began a tour of all of AGROSAVIA’s Research Centers at the Turipaná Research Center, with the purpose of monitoring the progress being made in the conservation of germplasm banks, knowledge transfer, and the use of land for research purposes.

During the visit, the Minister learned firsthand about the advances in the conservation of plant and animal genetics, visiting the plant and animal germplasm banks, which are national heritage and a fundamental resource for the country’s food sovereignty. Among the preserved species are caña flecha, essential for Indigenous artisan communities, as well as the native cattle breeds Romosinuano and Costeño con Cuernos, and the Zungo pig.

Sergio Mejía Kerguelén, Director of the Turipaná Research Center, explained, “Many Indigenous councils come here seeking caña flecha, which ensures the production of handicrafts. In addition, we are the custodians of the native cattle breeds Romosinuano and Costeño con Cuernos, and the Zungo pig.”

The visit also included the agroecological showcase, featuring experiences with eggplant, chili, pumpkin, sweet potato, cacao agroforestry systems, and native rice varieties, as well as interaction with researchers leading science, technology, and innovation projects aimed at democratizing knowledge and strengthening rural areas.

“You are the research force and custodians of the most important heritage for the country’s food sovereignty: the germplasm bank,” stated Minister Carvajalino, highlighting AGROSAVIA’s role in building a more productive, resilient, and sustainable countryside.

The event, presided over by AGROSAVIA’s Executive Director, Miguel Serrano, and the Director of the Turipaná Research Center, Sergio Mejía, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to farming communities, the fight against hunger and poverty, climate change adaptation, and peacebuilding in Colombia.

Miguel Serrano, Executive Director of AGROSAVIA, assured, “We were able to showcase part of what we do in research and technology and science transfer for rural communities, and we are committed to making it increasingly better and more effective for them.”