On Monday, October 20 at 6 p.m., we look forward to seeing you at a virtual conversation to share the trajectory of Amancay maize within the framework of the Bioleft Maize Growers Network (Red de Maiceros) and to invite you to be part of a new phase of this open space for seed innovation.
The Bioleft Maize Growers Network is a collaborative space that brings together producers, technicians, students, and researchers with a common goal: to foster the development of diverse maizes —generally non-transgenic open-pollinated varieties— adapted to different environments and agricultural managements, within a participatory breeding and open-source framework.
One of the most relevant recent milestones of this Network is the work around Amancay maize, originally developed by plant breeder Daniel Presello at INTA Pergamino. Engineer Presello, a reference in maize genetic improvement, has developed both hybrid materials and open-pollinated varieties. In recent years, he incorporated a wide diversity of materials into his trials —including those in the hands of producers— and facilitated access to seeds for their field evaluation. Convened by Bioleft, he co-coordinates exchange days and workshops with actors interested in this crop. Amancay maize is the fruit of that process.
Amancay was sown within the framework of the Network in environments under organic management, such as in Altos Verdes (Córdoba), in charge of Enrico Cresta, where its yield was conditioned by a particularly adverse climatic campaign (22/23). Even so, it was possible to harvest part of the material, which was commercialized within the establishment’s scheme, which provides organic maize to dairy farmers in the area who produce organic milk.
Part of the harvest was exchanged with Milton Vélez, a family producer and member of the Network, who in turn shared seeds with another producer to evaluate them in his 24/25 productive scheme. With a very interesting proposal, Milton destined part of the maize for human consumption, conditioning the grain and exploring different culinary preparations such as polenta, tacos, and chicha-type fermented drinks.
This experience with Amancay reflects several of the central objectives of the Network: the genetic improvement of materials, their evaluation and adaptation in different contexts, and the integral valuation of their uses, with special attention to human food.
With that horizon, we invite you to participate in the virtual conversation “Maize as a bridge: knowledge, territories, and diversity,” which will be held on Monday, October 20 at 6 p.m. In this meeting, we will share the experience of Amancay maize, narrated by the protagonists of each stage. In addition, the new phase of the Maize Growers Network and the challenges we propose for the future will be presented.
The invitation is open to everyone: producers, students, technicians, agronomists, and institutions linked to seed innovation.
To participate, you can sign up through the following form. We hope to count on your presence to continue weaving this collective path!