Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture

Biosafety Biotechnology

Online course will provide training in applied biotechnology in agriculture

Tiempo de lectura: 3 mins.

This initiative is part of the Mexico-Caribbean-Central American Countries Technical Cooperation Program led by IICA and SAGARPA of Mexico.

According to Franklin Marín, Coordinator of IICA’s Center for the Promotion of Technical Capabilities and Leadership, this initiative is an effective tool for fostering the agricultural, productive and economic development of participating countries.

Guanajuato, 25 February, 2016 (IICA). Agricultural technicians, specialists and producers from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) will be able to benefit from a course entitled “Applied Biotechnology in Agriculture,” available online as of March. The objective of the course is to improve agricultural production in the region and strengthen national capacities.

The technical training course for professionals and producers is organized by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute of Irapuato (CINVESTAV).

The course, which seeks to strengthen the agricultural sector’s national capabilities, is part of the Mexico-Caribbean-Central American Countries Technical Cooperation Program led by IICA and the General Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA) of Mexico. This program addresses the specific needs of the participating countries through short training events that focus on improving agricultural productivity and generating a positive economic impact.

The course lasts eight weeks and includes six modules that provide an overview of biotechnology and its foundations; soil and its microorganisms; genetics and molecular tools; and food security.

According to Franklin Marín, Coordinator of IICA’s Center for the Promotion of Technical Capabilities and Leadership, this initiative is an effective tool for fostering the agricultural, productive and economic development of participating countries.

“Biotechnology contributes to the development of agriculture, hence the importance of promoting training courses that harness the use of techniques for improving production and preserving biodiversity,” he stated.

On the other hand, the Director of CINVESTAV Irapuato, Gabriela Olmedo, stated that food security requires multidisciplinary work, since Latin America and the Caribbean face diverse and common problems in the development of a more productive and competitive agriculture.

Aníbal González, Director of Planning for SAGARPA, stated that Mexico is committed to driving cooperation with LAC via in-person and online courses, as well as doctorates, to contribute to the region’s agricultural development. Applications can be submitted here.

More information:  franklin.marin@iica.intena.resendiz@iica.int

Share

Related news​

San José, Costa Rica

June 5, 2025

At IICA, Costa Rican cacao producers are recognized for the excellence of their products and for their contribution to rural development and nutrition in the region

Experts analyzed 15 samples of cacao from various parts of the Central American country, with the five that received the highest scores then declared winners of the 2025 competition. The same five samples were sent to Rome, Italy, where they will represent Costa Rica in the international “Cacao of Excellence” competition, the stepping stone to the International Cocoa Awards.

Tiempo de lectura: 3mins

Turrialba, Costa Rica

June 3, 2025

On a study visit to Costa Rica, ministers of Agriculture, rural youth and women of the Eastern Caribbean were introduced to improved agricultural practices

The mission began with two days of activities at IICA Headquarters in San Jose, including meeting with the IICA Director General, Manuel Otero. The visitors then travelled to CATIE.

Tiempo de lectura: 3mins

San José, Costa Rica

June 2, 2025

Ibero-America sees biofuels as a solution to decarbonize the energy sector  

The annual meeting of the Ibero-American Association of Energy Regulators (ARIAE), held in San Jose and Guanacaste, Costa Rica, featured the II Entrepreneurial Forum, attracting 200 participants, including the Costa Rican Minister of Environment and Energy, the Executive Secretary of the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE) and authorities of the Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB); the XV Regular Annual Meeting of the ARIAE General Assembly, which was attended by 17 regulatory agencies of ARIAE; and the XXVI Annual Meeting of ARIAE Energy Regulators.

Tiempo de lectura: 3mins