The Network for Innovation Management in the Agri-food Sector (Red Innovagro), based in Mexico City, is a platform for exchanging experiences and technological advancements in research and innovation. Its primary objective is to promote, disseminate, and establish a culture of innovation among strategic agents in the agri-food sector through cooperation and the exchange of services and information systems.

Under the motto "Support Services for Agri-food Innovation: Governance and Accessible Technological Transfer," INNOVAGRO held its XV International Seminar in a virtual format on November 25 and 26, aiming to identify trends in innovation and share successful experiences in multi-service articulation to scale innovations, ensure food security, reduce inequalities, and promote sustainability.

FONTAGRO was present at the event as a guest on the panel about Innovation Networks in Agri-food Systems, moderated by María José Elizarrarás, Executive Secretary of INNOVAGRO. This prominent panel featured renowned international experts, including Francine Brossard Leiva, Executive Director of the Foundation for Agrarian Innovation of Chile; Daniel Domínguez Gómez, Executive Director of Allbiotech in Mexico; Saúl Barrientos Ibarra, Operational Manager of the Mexican Association of Bio-input Producers (AMPBIO A.C.); and Eugenia Saini, Executive Secretary of FONTAGRO - LAC.

The discussion in this panel focused on the necessity to articulate support services for agri-food innovation, reviewing how networks connect with existing support services from various experiences. Eugenia Saini emphasized that collaborative work among innovation networks is crucial and highlighted from her experience in FONTAGRO that "science must engage more effectively with policies and speak more strategically with finance."

"Strengthening the bridges between scientists, policymakers, and financial actors is the foundation for unlocking investment, accelerating innovation, and building resilient and inclusive agri-food systems for our region," concluded Saini.

The panel stressed that the agri-food sector relies on a broad spectrum of support services that can only generate a lasting impact in a coordinated and articulated ecosystem. In times of reduced budgets, climate pressures, and increasing geopolitical uncertainty, networks like FONTAGRO and INNOVAGRO are essential for connecting countries, institutions, and sectors. These networks help reduce duplication, accelerate knowledge circulation, and transform global science into practical and scalable solutions for producers.

For more information about the XV International Seminar of INNOVAGRO, visit here.