SEDRD Professor Helen Hambly has returned from a recent trip to Lima, Peru in her capacity as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the International Potato Center (CIP).

As part of the CGIAR international agricultural research and innovation system, Helen officially joined the Minister of Agriculture of Peru, the CIP Director General, and the family of the late CIP Director General Barbara H. Wells to open a premier research facility known as a Cyrovault. The Andean Region has over 3000 varieties of potato. Cryopreservation ensures the long-term storage of genetic material at -196°C, maintaining it pathogen-free and genetically stable for decades without manipulation.

This technology safeguards agrobiodiversity, providing a vital backup for crops like potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava, cacao, and more critical for food security and ecosystem resilience amidst climate change.  More information about the Cryovault can be found on the CIP International Potato Centre website [1].  

Image:  (left to right) Dr. Simon Heck (CIP Director General), Prof. Helen Hambly (UofG SEDRD/CIP Board Chair), Hon. Minister of Agricultural Development and Irrigation of Peru Sr. Ángel Manero Campos, and family of the late Dr. Barbara Wells.

While in Lima, Helen also received a signed copy of a new book Gender, Power and Politics in Agriculture [2], which she supported from the outset as a subject matter specialist and peer reviewer. “I am pleased to provide international service for good governance of agricultural research and innovation. This outreach helps CDE, SEDRD and OAC be known and engaged in many science networks around the world, says Helen. There are reverse opportunities for student learning and career networking."

Image: Dr. Helen Hamby holding the new book - Gender, Power and Politics in Agriculture.