The MuCA begins in May its first activities for the assembly of its collection of creole seeds, which are seed species adapted to diverse environments, more nutritious, and more tolerant to the environment, resisting pests and diseases. The collection, called Seed Germplasm Bank, is conceived and carried out in partnership with the Sebrae Bioeconomy Center and also with AMA Brasil.
Creole seeds are particularly useful in the early stages of ecological succession, that is, as pioneer species in depleted or deforested soil. In this way, they will be great allies in the recovery of degraded areas of the Amazon and also in the construction of Agroforestry Backyards, due to their resilience.
The first specimens of the collection were donated to the MuCA ambassador, Lindalva Castro, by farmer Gerson Fertig from the city of Frei Rogério, in Santa Catarina. He has been a guardian of traditional and creole seeds for over 40 years, working in the preservation of over 200 species of corn, beans, rice, sunflower, peas, and others. Currently, MuCA holds over 30 varieties of corn (including five indigenous varieties) and beans, as well as dryland rice seeds, popcorn corn, peanuts, watermelon, peas, fava beans, etc. The seeds will be distributed in the communities of Flona Tapajós, preferably to women farmers, in a collection feedback project.