California strawberry varieties may be trialled in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is considering the possibility of trialling strawberry varieties developed by the University of California, Davis. This was discussed during a working visit to California by Erlist Akunbekov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture.

Akunbekov met with Mitchell Feldmann, head of the strawberry breeding programme at the University of California. The parties discussed variety trials, training for specialists, the exchange of expertise and the development of planting material production.

In addition, the Kyrgyz delegation held talks with representatives of the California Department of Business and Economic Development on investment and trade issues, as well as with Foundation Plant Services.

The latter specialises in the diagnosis of plant diseases, plant health restoration and quarantine. Kyrgyzstan plans to utilise this expertise to establish a system for the production of clean and certified planting material.

The Kyrgyzstan Fruit and Berry Growers’ Association is already collaborating with the University of California, Davis.