On August 26th, the Bioleft outreach team visited Julia Ríos, tomato evaluator and seed producer at Minka-Semillera (Florencio Varela) to share an assessment of the previous season and plan for the 2024-2025 season. The meeting took place in an atmosphere of trust and closeness, at her own home, where they discussed achievements, difficulties, and next steps.
Julia commented on the challenges that digital recording can present. On that point, we reaffirmed Bioleft’s commitment to accompany the process, as we did in the previous season, when we explored alternative strategies—such as the use of audio and photos—to facilitate her recording of dates and observations on tomato cultivation.
We emphasized that her contribution is essential. Julia preserves and multiplies tomato varieties from the region, keeping alive an invaluable genetic and cultural heritage.
During the tour of her farm, we saw the greenhouses and seedbeds where new plants have already begun to grow. We also delivered seeds for this campaign: 56 (also known as “No Me Olvides”), 113 (“Cherry Grande” or “Tomate Criollo Accesión”), and also the La Plata tomato “Carcione,” one of her favorite varieties.
The visit also included planning new joint tasks and incorporating a new feature: Ronita pear tomato seeds, which Julia delivered with the intention of adding them to the participation and evaluation of this campaign.
This meeting reflects not only the importance of strengthening ties with local producers, but also the conviction that seed diversity and community knowledge are at the heart of Bioleft’s work.