Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture

Agriculture

Opportunities and challenges for Latin America and the Caribbean Innovating for a Resilient Agriculture and Food Sector

Tiempo de lectura: 3 mins.

On April 26th 2019, a forum was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration to Celebrate the opening of the 2019 National Agriculture and Trade Show.  The theme of the forum was: Innovating for a Resilient Agriculture and Food Sector.

On April 26th 2019, a forum was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration to Celebrate the opening of the 2019 National Agriculture and Trade Show.  The theme of the forum was: Innovating for a Resilient Agriculture and Food Sector.

The Inter American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture delivered a presentation on Bio-economy in Latin America and the Caribbean: Opportunities for innovative transformation of agricultural waste.  The presentation emphasized that climate change and the deterioration of natural resources generate growing challenges and limitations for the world. Current projections regarding populations, income and urbanization predict a sharp increase in the global demand for goods and services. In light of this scenario, it has become necessary to adjust our development model − which was first applied during the Industrial Revolution and continued to be implemented as oil was incorporated into the energy matrix given that it no longer allows for adequately addressing new challenges. It is crucial to substantially increase the production of food, energy, fibers and feed within the current context, which is characterized by increased degradation of and competition for natural resources, as well as by an obligation to meet international environmental commitments. We must now identify a cleaner, more sustainable economic development model. In facing this challenge, the convergence of biological sciences, physics, chemistry, engineering, social sciences, and information and communication technologies (ICT) affords alternative pathways to established strategies.

More information:

everalda.westby@iica.int

Share

Related news​

São Paulo, Brazil

April 10, 2025

Key players from the sustainable aviation fuel sector, addressing the Latin American Congress, maintained that if the region establishes clear rules, it has the potential to lead the world in SAF

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

Nairobi, Kenya

April 10, 2025

IICA Director General, Manuel Otero, is in Kenya – strengthening agreements to fuel agricultural productivity through science, technology and innovation 

AGRA and CIMMYT are two of the most important organizations in the world involved in research and the promotion of science and innovation as key tools for agricultural transformation.   

Tiempo de lectura: 3mins

Panama City, Panama

April 10, 2025

Ethanol: key input for agroindustry and the decarbonization of Latin American transportation

Ethanol: key input for agroindustry and the decarbonization of Latin American transportation

Tiempo de lectura: 3mins