As part of the Second Regional Dialogue on Science, Technology, and Innovation in Agri-Food Systems of Latin America and the Caribbean, led by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and held on March 26–27 in San José, Costa Rica, FONTAGRO actively participated in the formulation of a strategic roadmap for agriculture and agri-food systems (AFS) in the region. FONTAGRO was represented by its President Nicolás Bronzovich, Vice President Jorge Ganoza, and Executive Secretary Eugenia Saini.

Among the panelists was Roberto Camacho, Director of INTA Costa Rica, who participated in the panel discussion: “How can we build a platform for horizontal cooperation in science, technology and innovation for agriculture and AFS based on ongoing experiences and initiatives?” The panel focused on how to leverage existing knowledge to improve cooperation in science, technology, and innovation across the agri-food sector.

This important event brought together prominent representatives from the fields of science and technology, as well as national and international research institutes, cooperation agencies, academia, the private sector, and producer organizations—all committed to advancing science, technology and innovation in agriculture.

Key topics addressed during the dialogue included:

-Development of a strategic roadmap: Aimed at integrating the needs and challenges of the agri-food sector and facilitating a collaborative approach to innovation and sustainable development.

-Creation of a horizontal cooperation platform: Proposals were made to compile, systematize, and share best practices and lessons learned, while promoting dialogue and collaboration among regional stakeholders.

-Strengthening participation in global forums: Discussions focused on ways to maximize the region’s presence in international debates on science, technology, and innovation in agriculture.

Nicolás Bronzovich took part in the panel on horizontal cooperation experiences in Science, Technology and Innovation in Agriculture and Agri-Food Systems in the Americas, where successful initiatives were presented and new opportunities for collaboration explored. He emphasized the importance of this joint effort, stating:

“Strengthening the Forum for the Americas on Agricultural Research and Technology Development (FORAGRO) and creating a roadmap for innovation are fundamental steps in addressing the current challenges of the agri-food sector. Collaboration is key to building a resilient and productive future.”

FONTAGRO’s participation in this event reaffirms its commitment to technical cooperation and regional knowledge exchange, essential components for sustainable agricultural development in Latin America and the Caribbean.

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About FONTAGRO

FONTAGRO was created 1998 with the purpose of promoting the increase of the competitiveness of the agri-food sector, ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources and the reduction of poverty in the region. The objective of FONTAGRO is to establish itself as a sustainable financing mechanism for the development of agricultural technology and innovation in Latin America and the Caribbean and Spain, and to establish a forum for the discussion of priority topics of technological innovation. The member countries are: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Spain, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, Uruguay and Venezuela. In the last 27 years 204 regional agricultural innovation platforms have been co-financed for an amount of US $ 150.7 million, which has reached 531 institutions and 35 countries worldwide.