The second visit to Julia Ríos’s Farm of the Minka Cooperative in Florencio Varela focused on the evaluation of the state of the crops and the infrastructure, seeking to ensure an optimal open seed campaign.
The tomato seedlings that the project is following are found in the greenhouse that is used as a nursery. These seedlings, which include varieties such as Carcione (two pots), 113, and No Me Olvides, are in very good condition, healthy and vigorous. Although the temperature has dropped recently, these seedlings are already at the ideal point to be transplanted to the field. Although the sowing of marigolds with own seed did not prosper, Julia intends to carry out a reseeding of this or another flower plant to promote the attraction of pollinators.
Finally, a key point of the meeting was reaffirming the commitment to seed saving. The importance of Julia selecting and saving quality seeds to share with the team was discussed. To facilitate this process, the project committed to providing the necessary supplies (such as bags) so that she can start reserving them and be ready for the moment when the plants begin to flower and the fruits for seed are chosen.
In the following visit, held on November 11, fieldwork moved forward. That day, the soil preparation was completed and the transplanting of the three varieties included in the 2025 trial was carried out: 25 seedlings of #113, 20 of Carcione, and 18 of NoMeOlvides. They were placed inside the greenhouse, in a controlled environment with drip irrigation.
During this visit, Julia also guided the team through different components of her agroecological project, showcasing her work with laying hens, dairy cows, bees, and fruit trees.