EU maize for a better and more sustainable agriculture in Central Asia

Essential for animal feed and widely deployed in industry for various human consumption purposes, maize is the most cultivated cereal crop in the world. The EU ranks among the top four worldwide producers, alongside the US, China and Brazil, with much of its success linked to advancements in seed breeding innovation in the continent. EU varieties boast several advantages compared to their international competitors, including higher digestibility and better resistance to water stress, pests and diseases. Highly adaptable, new maize crops are not only attractive for farmers, but they also have the potential to expand to other regions of the world.

In line with Green Deal and Farm-to-Fork objectives, the “MaizePromotionKU” campaign intends to showcase the assets of EU maize and maize seed genetics in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Through a powerful communication and argumentation toolbox, FNPSMS and PZPK will build on their past expertise to deliver on the campaign’s objectives which include: I) Improving farmers’ and other agricultural professionals’ knowledge about EU maize seeds; II) Increasing maize acreage in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan; and III) Consolidating and developing the EU seed market share in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Actions will prioritise the agronomic potential of maize and its role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of agriculture.

Previous actions led by both organisations as well government initiatives to restructure the agricultural sectors in these countries create the right conditions for the realisation of the campaign. Indeed, in this context, maize emerges as a valuable alternative for crop diversification while also supporting efforts to revamp the dairy farming industry locally. To maximise impact, the campaign will target the B2B (Business-to-Business) sector, including specialised farmers, breeders, agricultural journalists, as well as livestock feed manufacturers and other processors.