More than 100 experts, researchers, representatives of international organizations, universities, and cooperation entities from Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America convened at the Agrinatura 2026 Conference, organized by the University of Reading, England, to debate the role of research and innovation in addressing the challenges facing agriculture and food systems in a context of technological transformation and new geopolitical dynamics.

Over two days of sessions, participants analyzed the need to strengthen international cooperation, promote strategic alliances, expand investments in research, and foster greater coordination between science and public policy to accelerate the transformation toward more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food systems.

In this international setting, FONTAGRO's Executive Secretary, Eugenia Saini, participated as a panelist in the closing plenary session, "From Scenarios to Strategy: The Evolving Role of Research and Alliances," where she shared FONTAGRO's experience as a model of regional cooperation that has promoted collaborative research and agricultural innovation in Latin America and the Caribbean for 28 years.

During her remarks, Saini highlighted the importance of the region playing an increasingly active role in defining global research agendas, and called for continued strengthening of international alliances, as well as new financing mechanisms that can expand the impact of science and innovation for food and agricultural development.

FONTAGRO's participation in Agrinatura 2026 strengthened dialogue with European research networks and identified new opportunities for collaboration with Agrinatura and other international institutions to drive joint initiatives in research, innovation, and foresight for Latin America and the Caribbean.

With its presence at this forum, FONTAGRO reaffirms its commitment to promoting international scientific cooperation and consolidating alliances that contribute to the development of more sustainable food systems for the region and the world. Learn more about Agrinatura here.