The introduction of digital technologies into agrifood systems involves transforming these systems in response to the growing demands and challenges facing humanity. In this regard, digital transformation entails a series of potential benefits that address the new concerns of global society, including increasing production and resilience, reducing environmental impacts and other negative externalities, improving transparency, facilitating integration and cooperation, and improving living and working conditions in rural areas. Given these benefits, digital technologies will become one of the main tools for climate action and for improving the manner in which agricultural policies are drafted and implemented. On the other hand, however, digital advances could have a negative impact on those who are unable to adapt to the new era and the speed of these changes. Digital transformation requires a series of factors (cybernetic infrastructure, access to technologies, skills to manipulate them, etc.) in which there are considerable gaps; as a result, it could become a contributing factor to inequality, conflict and exclusion.
The digital transformation of agrifood systems has accelerated due to the growing supply of digital solutions and increased digitalization resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the time is ripe to drive the digital transformation of agrifood systems in order to harness its benefits and mitigate its threats.
Within this context, the Digitalization of Agrifood Systems Program has been created, based on the understanding that digital agriculture is a key element for the dynamic and inclusive transformation of agrifood systems in the Americas. The program’s actions will be aimed at achieving the following objectives:
Team members
Advisory group
Consultants for specific projects
Explore our videos and discover IICA’s impact on agriculture and rural development throughout the region.
Canada
April 26, 2022
Buenos Aires, Argentina
April 23, 2025
While on official mission in Argentina’s capital, Otero was invited to deliver a keynote speech at ISEN before a large and distinguished audience. He provided a detailed assessment of the challenges facing agriculture in the world and the opportunities for Argentina and other Latin American countries, in light of demands for accessible, high quality food by a growing population as well as the uncertainties posed by the current geopolitical context.
Tiempo de lectura: 3mins
San José, Costa Rica
April 21, 2025
Francis founded her own organization, EcoBalance Inc., which has organized training programs for farmers and implemented plans for equipment acquisition in the region. It also established a biodiversity center to teach primary and secondary students about agriculture and the environment.
Tiempo de lectura: 3mins
São Paulo, Brazil
April 10, 2025
The Americas has the potential to become a global leader in supplying sustainable aviation fuels, although to do so, it will need to establish clear rules and to harmonize its sustainability criteria governing the raw materials used, ensuring that processes are certifiable and science-based.
Tiempo de lectura: 3mins
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