<p>Limited access to high-quality potato seeds constrains small- and medium-scale production, as seed health is crucial in preventing disease transmission through clonal propagation. In this study, we characterized advanced clones and new national varieties through participatory research, assessing their adaptability to local conditions and contributions to family farming. Additionally, we evaluated short-dormancy materials to optimize planting cycles within Uruguay’s two growing seasons. We used the “Mom and Baby” methodology, adapted from the International Potato Center, which included controlled mother trials at the university experimental station (2018–2020) and baby trials on six farms under local management. We conducted evaluations during crop development, harvest, and postharvest. We visited the farms biweekly throughout the project. To implement participatory evaluation, we organized seasonal field days at the mother trial during the flowering stage. Farmers prioritized disease resistance as a desired trait in the plants, followed by vigour and leaf size. None of the short-dormancy clones outperformed the former varieties. Yield analysis in farms showed stronger genotype correlations within the same season. Clusters distinguished high and low yields for both autumn and spring in the mom and baby trials. This study hypothesized that adopting short-dormancy, PVY-resistant clones can improve potato productivity and economic returns in family farming. Benefits include additional seed multiplication and the use of spring-harvested tubers for autumn planting, thereby avoiding the costs associated with cold storage. Our study revealed several key aspects that hinder this technological alternative. The low temperatures and physiologically young seeds used in spring often delay emergence, prompting farmers to postpone harvests and potentially limiting seed availability for the next cycle. The participatory approach enabled clone evaluation and highlighted areas where farmers need technical support.</p>