I think that we need a working group - not a thread - to build with those volunteering. Meaning we would at least need to talk to each other regularly and build something simple, actionable, one step at a time, for the community.
Also @MarkReed there are couple of (mis)interpretations of my thoughts in your reply. Makes me super uncomfy. While I like what you express overall. I’m 100% sure we would get to a common understanding, and from that on build some interesting actionable lines of thought, if we had an opportunity to chat in real life… it’s frustrating.
Overall our threads seems too frustrating in my opinion when it goes to go deep into a topic : huge amount of works, concentrated in the form of ideas, recaps, wrap ups, get lost so often, diluted, it’s very very sad… We end up frequently just piling up one idea on the prior one without us collectively gaining in competence. Everything’s “averaged”, it’s so confusing and frustrating to me. And we lose energy from that instead of building up collectively and gaining momentum… And I’m saying that WHILE everybody wants fairly to make his/her contribution to the discussion : I’m not accusing anybody, it’s just the way I feel it goes on this platform : we’re all at the same page in here.
Ok, I’ll leave it for now : I will be absent for the next 3 months. When back I’ll advocate for a working group, to make a difference with those showing interest, and I’ll certainly post a lot less, probably focusing on posting essentially in my 2026 thread… to come !
I’m sorry I just learned I couldn’t be there tomorrow, and neither saturday, due to a major event in Cuzco and travel hugh up in the mountain next day. I have changed my votes afterwards: if it can’t be rescheduled, have a good meeting!
Progress has been made on collecting growing data this year,
Input appreciated– on the grower instructions, on the definitions, anything else and to test the app! (altho the app isn’t needed to participate).
This is from the google doc where which has a lot more info, and once it’s done will have it’s own web page:
Landrace Trials 2026: Side-by-Side Trials
Goals:
Build a data repository showing how regional/locally-adapted varieties compare to commercial varieties in the regions and contexts where they were developed.
Document adaptation over time- starting with diverse mixes like the GTS seeds
Prepare for a more rigorous and scientific trial in 2027
What We’re Comparing: Landrace, open pollinated, grex, or locally adapted/saved population vs. a common commercial/conventional variety of the same crop. Grown side-by-side, same bed or adjacent beds, same soil, same care.
All growers are welcome (from first year grexes to heirlooms and anything in between as long as they have 2 varieties to compare).
Information will be documented in a database so that results can be filtered and analyzed at the end of the season.
Participants will need to set up their planting in a set way, in order to get photos that are consistent and usable. For example,
