During the XXI Annual Technical Monitoring Workshop of FONTAGRO Projects held in San José, Costa Rica, 32 lead researchers from agricultural research institutes (INIAs) and universities in member countries participated in a training workshop on Knowledge Management and Communication (KMC) and Procurement Planning, organized by FONTAGRO’s Technical-Administrative Secretariat (STA).

The session, structured into three modules, combined artificial intelligence tools with the fundamentals of scientific communication and administrative management. The first module, led by Digital Communication Specialist Adrián Orsetti, presented principles of scientific visual design such as clarity, hierarchy, contrast, whitespace, and color coherence and demonstrated how tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude can synthesize technical reports, while Canva enables their transformation into high-impact infographics.

The second module, delivered by Integrated Communication Specialist Michael Hernández, addressed scientific content marketing through the "3H" model (Hero, Help, Hub) and the "See-Think-Do-Care" digital engagement cycle. He also shared concrete results regarding FONTAGRO’s social media growth between 2024 and 2026 rising from 13,377 to 20,648 followers, with notable gains on LinkedIn and Instagram driven by coordinated efforts with researchers and INIAs.

The third module, presented by Operations Specialist Macarena Mauriño, focused on developing the 2027 Procurement Plan. It covered deadlines, best practices, and the use of the AI ​​tool Claude to assist in identifying risks, creating process schedules, and verifying consistency between the annual plan and the overall project plan—all while maintaining the premise that final responsibility rests with the project teams. As the practical component of the event, the "Science Voices" initiative was reinforced; this is a series of short videos showcasing the social, environmental, and economic impact of FONTAGRO projects through the voices of the researchers themselves. During the training session, 25 interviews and video productions were carried out with the active participation of attendees; these are being published on FONTAGRO’s YouTube channel.

At the close of the workshop, the organizers highlighted that improved communication and management are complementary capabilities for strengthening the impact and sustainability of FONTAGRO projects within the agrifood systems of Latin America and the Caribbean, reaffirming that artificial intelligence when used correctly amplifies rather than replaces expert judgment and institutional responsibility.