CIMMYT deposits 3,370 seed samples in Svalbard Global Seed Vault

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), based in Texcoco, Mexico, has deposited 3,370 seed samples into the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway. The shipment, sent on October 13, 2026, included common wheat, durum wheat, wild emmer wheat, triticale, and maize. This deposit represents the largest contribution among the six CGIAR germplasm banks participating in this international round.

This action ensures that 97% of CIMMYT’s wheat collection now has security duplicates in the Arctic vault. The genetic material is intended to support agricultural research and the development of crop varieties capable of resisting drought, heat, and disease.

Separately, CIMMYT has reported significant success in Mexico using agro-sustainable practices. In regions such as Chiapas, these methods have increased maize production by up to 300%. By implementing simpler techniques, such as leaving crop residue in fields, the organization aims to increase productivity and reduce production costs to help mitigate the impacts of climate change and reduce import dependency.