The Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Neiker-Tecnalia, is leading an international project with the goal of developing new potato varieties which are tolerant to the effects of climate change, as well as to identify already existing cultivars that are capable to resist these effects.

These varieties should be suitable for growing under adverse environmental conditions, and contribute in this way to ensure the supply of this foodstuff in the least favoured regions of the planet.

The project has a budget of 743.000 euros, financed by the Regional Fund for Agricultural Technology (Fontagro) from the Interamerican Development Bank and the institutions which, together with Neiker-Tecnalia participate in this program.

The potato, a key product in the food chain worldwide, is also suffering the negative consequences of climate change. Its cultivation is being affected currently by global warming, extreme climate events and the expansion of pests and diseases.

This situation is especially serious in those countries where the potato is the staple food of the population and is one of the pillars of their economic and social infrastructure. Given this problem, a consortium has been established made up of eight entities from seven countries: Spain, Ecuador, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Costa Rica and Uruguay.

For its renowned track record in potato research, Neiker-Tecnalia was chosen to lead this initiative which is co-funded by the Inter-American Development Bank .