Sustainability goes beyond maintaining environmentally conscientious agriculture, it also involves passing knowledge on to future leaders so information is not lost. CIMMYT is dedicated to both types of sustainability, which was demonstrated on 11 September 2009 when El Batán welcomed 280 Mexican university students to its campus.
The program, “Open Doors,” has been held annually for three years. This year it included students from 13 institutions of higher learning. Scott Ferguson, deputy director general for support services, welcomed the group and emphasized the importance of their visit by pointing out that the students may only be visitors now, but they could be part of the CIMMYT family in the future.
The rest of the day included thorough and engaging presentations from national staff on CIMMYT’s global food security efforts. The students learned about the application of geographic information systems (GIS) for breeders and the use of genetic materials. They visited the germplasm bank, the applied biotechnology center (ABC), and wheat quality labs; they also ventured into the fields to observe maize, wheat, and conservation agriculture plots.
Thanks to all who helped make this event a success.
