The Colombian Association of Seeds and Biotechnology (Acosemillas) is celebrating 55 years of leadership in advancing quality seeds, biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture in Colombia. Founded in 1970, Acosemillas has played a vital role in strengthening the agricultural sector, enhancing food security, fostering seed diversity, and driving technological innovation.
Acosemillas has been a strong advocate for the use of authorized seeds, regulated by the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA), which includes both certified and selected seeds. These seeds undergo rigorous quality controls to ensure agricultural productivity and sustainability. The organization has also championed the preservation of native and Creole seeds, recognizing their significance for plant breeding and their cultural importance to peasant and indigenous communities, according to a press release.
“One of the greatest milestones in these years of trade union representativeness is to achieve coexistence between the different technological models of production, from self-consumption and the peasant and indigenous family economy to reaching medium and large-scale agribusiness models,” Leonardo Ariza Ramírez, general manager of Acosemillas, said.
“Biotechnology has transformed agriculture, allowing us to face challenges such as climate change and food security. At Acosemillas, we firmly believe in the power of innovation to build a more sustainable and competitive future for the Colombian countryside.”
Ramírez stated that the union has consistently supported breeders, distributors, importers, and producers of plant material for Colombia’s rural areas.
“Our affiliates feel our support because we are in a constant construction of networks of technical, normative and innovation relationships necessary for the sustainable development of the Colombian countryside and, in addition, we work so that producers obtain quality harvests in each sowing cycle.”
This means ensuring that all farmers have the right to cultivate in a way that suits their economic and social conditions, while always preserving the environment. The goal is to strengthen food security and reduce agricultural product imports, without compromising the traditions, innovation, or culture of the various rural sector stakeholders.
