During the inauguration ceremony, Eng. Alexandra Rodríguez, Acting Director General of IDIAP, emphasized the importance of the project, noting that it aims not only to generate knowledge but also to create a significant impact across the region. Dr. Javier Pitti, Lead Researcher of the project, highlighted that this facility will enable the exploration and development of vertical farming models, facilitating their adoption as a sustainable solution in urban environments.

Dr. Eugenia Saini, Executive Secretary of FONTAGRO, participated virtually and stated: “Given rapid population growth, it is crucial to develop innovative and sustainable agricultural solutions that address sector challenges. Vertical farming stands out as a viable alternative, not only to ensure food production but also to contribute to food security in Latin America and the Caribbean.”

With a 42-month implementation period, the project brings together several countries in the region. In Panama, IDIAP leads the initiative, working in collaboration with the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA – Argentina), the National Institute for Innovation and Transfer in Agricultural Technology (INTA – Costa Rica), and the Colombian Corporation for Agricultural Research (AGROSAVIA) as co-executing partners.

The project aims to maximize food production by optimizing available growing space, promoting intensive cultivation and efficient water use, thereby ensuring fresh and safe food for the population. Through a comprehensive evaluation of vertical farming systems, it seeks to establish a solid foundation for the development of this approach in the region, enhancing both competitiveness and resilience in the agricultural sector.

The inauguration ceremony, attended by representatives from the agricultural, academic, private, and international sectors, concluded with a tour of the innovative controlled-environment vertical farming module. This was followed by a training session for students of the Food Security program and researchers from UDELAS, marking a significant step forward toward sustainability in agriculture.

For more information about this project, visit here.