San José, 28 March 2025 (IICA). The Argentine Association of No-Till Farmers (AAPRESID) and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) recently inaugurated an innovative immersive exhibit on the world of no-till farming and its impact on soil health. This space aims to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and regenerative agriculture.
The demonstration stand was installed at the Interpretive Center for Tomorrow’s Agriculture (CIMAG), located at IICA’s headquarters in Costa Rica. CIMAG, which is part of IICA’s Open Doors initiative, is a space that showcases how digital technologies can transform the hemisphere’s agri-food systems and seeks to enhance the value of agriculture as a modern and profitable professional activity.
In this regard, the innovative exhibit, through multimedia projections, illustrates the effects that no-till production systems have on the microorganisms inhabiting the soil, as well as the deterioration that traditional tillage techniques can cause to its natural balance. This educational space aims to raise awareness about the importance of adopting regenerative practices—such as soil protection, maintaining living and diverse landscapes, ecological management of pests and nutrients, and the use of low-impact environmental technologies—that safeguard soil biodiversity and promote more resilient agricultural ecosystems. The initiative also underscores the importance of networked innovation, fostering collaborative spaces to adapt these practices to different realities.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by AAPRESID President Marcelo Torres; IICA Director General Manuel Otero; as well as various participants of the Second Regional Dialogue on Science, Technology, and Innovation in Agri-Food Systems of Latin America and the Caribbean, organized by IICA.
According to Marcelo Torres, creating interactive innovation models involves considering two main aspects: the importance of farmers being part of the transitions and working in real production scenarios alongside science and technology, and recognizing the value of soil as the primary carbon sink.
For his part, Otero stated that the frontier of knowledge must drive an agriculture that is knowledge-intensive, much more sustainable, and inclusive. “These kinds of exhibits serve to show that there is a future, one that engages new generations who believe in it. We are pleased to know that we are doing our part in these discussions about the new agriculture,” he affirmed.
In this vein, both agreed on the importance of such initiatives in attracting children and young people to agriculture so that they can become the new drivers of sustainable agri-food systems, based on science and the implementation of technologies.
“Agriculture is not usually very appealing to young people, so we must adapt, and this is a challenge for interactive work. Our only message to farmers and young people around the world is to get involved in innovation, to be part of the processes; to scientists, to work with them; and to policymakers, to also create the right conditions for these transitions to take place based on science and technology, while involving producers,” stated the President of AAPRESID.
“I’m already imagining what children and young people will think of this initiative, which allows their immersion in the earth’s core or see the soil from below. It’s a wonderful way to foster generational renewal, and that is our main goal,” added the head of IICA.
Thus, the new Sustainable Agriculture and Soil Health module led by AAPRESID joins other demonstration stands at CIMAG, including the agricultural machinery and geomatics center, applications based on satellite information, robotics, augmented reality, drones, programming, the Internet of Things, animations inspired by open-world or sandbox-style games, among others.
The IICA of Open Doors initiative will welcome approximately 25,000 visitors this year, mostly students, fulfilling its mission to spark interest in agriculture among new generations and to open the specialized agricultural and rural development organization to the community through projects that promote awareness about the future, innovation, and transformation of agriculture in the Americas.
About AAPRESID
AAPRESID is a leading organization in Argentina with over 30 years of experience, composed of 1,800 producers, advisors, and agricultural professionals influencing 11 million hectares. Its mission is to promote sustainable food, fiber, and energy production systems that regenerate soils, reduce environmental impact, and increase productivity. Since its founding, it has fostered the creation of networks for knowledge management and innovation, where producers collaborate with scientists, companies, and leading institutions to develop solutions that improve production systems in their regions.
About the Project
In addition to CIMAG, the IICA of Open Doors initiative includes the Digital Fabrication and Community Innovation Laboratory (FabLab-LINC); the Typical Rural House, which evokes the rural traditions of our continent; the Forest of the Americas, featuring representative tree species from across the hemisphere and demonstrating the interaction between agriculture and environmental conservation; and the Plaza of Agriculture of the Americas, a public space and building entrance to the Institute that connects it with the Costa Rican community and highlights the value of agriculture, biodiversity, and their importance to society.
This is an ambitious institutional transformation project that IICA has been developing, which also includes the agriculture and urban art mural and the AgroArt virtual art museum, initiatives that are also showcased on the IICA 3D web platform.
