The event addressed themes in the development of cultivation, the current overview and there were planned research and investigations, to be undertaken between the Catholic University "Nuestra Señora de Asunción" (Paraguay), the University of Formosa (Argentina) and the University of Hohenheim, (Germany) with the participation of other institutions.

The organization of the event was handled by the University of Hohenheim, Germany, with the help of Agroenergias SRL, a private company focused on comprehensive projects based on the mbokaja coconut.

This seminar was held in the framework of agreements signed between the Catholic University "Nuestra Señora de Asunción" (Paraguay), the National University of Formosa (Argentina), the University of Hohenheim (Germany) and the private company Agroenergias SRL (Paraguay) with the purpose of undertaking research relating to the cultivation of Acrocomia spp: it also featured the participatino of FUCAI (Agrarian Science Foundation of Itapua) and the United Colonies Co-operative, institutions that are interested in the development of this crop. They debated the current situation of the crop on a national level, its advantages and disadvantages, and they presented research already undertaken. A consensus was arrived at to develop a working group and a research plan for the "domestication" of the species as a rational cultivation.

It highlighted the high potential of the species as a robust and "multi-purpose" crop: human food and animal feed, raw material for the chemical and cosmetics industries, liquid (biodiesel) and solid fuels, feed balance, among others. Furthermore, there was an exchange of experiences with cultivation in non-traditional areas, the use of diverse sub products and new modern harvesting technologies, this last one allows a large reduction in costs and the possibility of managing large cultivations economically. Finally, there was a visit to a fruit processing facility and a mbokaja plantation in the region.

In case of interest in the activities of the group, it can be contacted through: investacrocomia@gmail.com

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