🎉 University of Cuenca Secures FIASA I+D Funding for Innovative Tamarillo Research! 🍅🌱

The University of Cuenca has been awarded FIASA I+D funds for the project:“Use of genetic diversity and development of technological solutions for the sustainable management of tamarillo (Solanum betaceum) in Region Six of Ecuador.” 🎓🌿

This project is led by a multidisciplinary team that includes:

• The Faculty of Agronomy and the Faculty of Hospitality Sciences at the University of Cuenca,

• Technical staff from INIAP,

• Researchers from the Catholic University of Cuenca.

  
  

For PREIT-tour, the team includes Maricruz Iñiguez, a gastronomist and specialist in food sovereignty and food systems, who will contribute to the cultural and culinary appreciation of the tamarillo. 🍽️✨

💰 Funding and Scope

The project will last three years and is financed with:

• $450,000 from FIASA,

• Plus contributions from all partner institutions, totaling approximately $760,000. 🚀

  
  

🌍 Project Goals

In simple terms: the goal is to promote the sustainable cultivation of tamarillo in Region Six (Azuay, Cañar, and Morona Santiago), combining science, technology, local knowledge, and value addition.

Main actions include:

• Conserving and studying the genetic diversity of tamarillo.

• Identifying emerging plant diseases and proposing environmentally friendly management strategies.

• Analyzing soils to improve productivity.

• Developing value-added products and strengthening fairer market chains so farmers receive better compensation.

• Training students, publishing scientific results, and closing with an International Congress on the future of tamarillo cultivation. 🎓📚🌎

👨‍🌾 Beneficiaries

The main direct beneficiaries will be producers in Azuay, with extended impact across Cañar and Morona Santiago, strengthening family farming and conserving Andean agrobiodiversity. 🤝🌄

This project champions sustainable agriculture, economic fairness, and cultural identity, positioning tamarillo as a symbol of knowledge, innovation, and future potential. 🌱❤️🍅

A major achievement for the region and for Ecuadorian research! 🇪🇨✨

Photo credit: Maricruz Iñiguez & MCSas