FONTAGRO Knowledge Week

8 - 10 July 2026. FONTAGRO Knowledge Week

The event combines the XXI Annual Technical Monitoring Workshop of FONTAGRO Projects with scientific presentations showcasing research and innovation across Latin America and the Caribbean. 

It is supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), IICA, the Government of New Zealand, the Global Research Alliance, Global Methane Hub, INTA Costa Rica, and other partners.

The opening session set the stage for three days of scientific exchange and regional collaboration by bringing together researchers, policymakers, development partners, and innovation leaders from across Latin America and the Caribbean. It highlighted FONTAGRO's vision of transforming agri-food systems through science, technology, and international partnerships, emphasizing the importance of collaborative research in addressing climate change, food security, and sustainable rural development.

08/07 Flagship Program 1 – Transformation of resilient and carbon-neutral crop systems

This session addressed the growing pressures of climate change, resource scarcity, and increasing food demand on agricultural production. Presenters showcased innovative approaches to improving crop resilience while reducing agriculture's environmental footprint, covering advances in soil management, biological inputs, nutrient-use efficiency, crop protection, sustainable irrigation, and climate-resilient cropping systems.

• Pablo Mamani (PROINPA, Bolivia) – Nanotechnology in agricultural soil moisture management
• Juliana Gómez Valderrama (AGROSAVIA, Colombia) – Leveraging biological products to build climate resilience
• Francisco Salazar (INIA, Chile) – Nitrogen optimization for climate-smart food production
• Víctor Hugo Sánchez (INIAP, Ecuador) – Managing potato purple top disease
• Hugo Montero (INTA, Costa Rica) – Biologicals for sustainable agriculture
• Ignacio Hisse (University of Florida, USA) – Integrating sorghum into Latin American production systems
• Carolina Lizana (Universidad Austral, Chile) – Sustainable irrigation and fertilization in quinoa

08/07 Flagship Program 2 – Livestock and animal protein systems

This session examined how livestock systems could become more productive while reducing their environmental impact. Presentations focused on climate-smart livestock production, methane mitigation, sustainable grazing systems, resilient farm management, animal welfare, and tropical dairy production, demonstrating practical pathways toward more sustainable animal production systems.

• Carlos Gómez (Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Peru) – Sustainable livestock in the Amazon
• Yury Granja Salcedo (AGROSAVIA, Colombia) – Methane reduction in ruminants
• Marcelo Cesar Contreras (INTA, Argentina) – Resilient farm networks
• Natalia Aguilar (INTA, Argentina) – One Welfare approaches
• Nelson Vivas (Universidad del Cauca, Colombia) – Tropical dairy systems
• Alejandro Radrizzani (INTA, Argentina) – Gran Chaco cattle and methane reduction

09/07 Flagship Program 3 – Impact 2030

This session demonstrated how scientific innovation was translated into practical benefits for farmers and rural communities. Speakers presented successful examples of scaling agricultural innovations through extension services, public-private partnerships, participatory research, and regional collaboration, highlighting approaches that accelerated the adoption of climate-smart technologies across Latin America and the Caribbean.

• Carlos Hernández (Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica) – Geographical indications for Mesoamerican cacao
• Romina Romaniuk (INTA, Argentina) – Integrated production systems for climate adaptation
• Sebastián Villagra (INTA, Argentina) – Climate-smart research with Indigenous communities
• Gina Garzón (AGROSAVIA, Colombia) – Climate-resilient potatoes for the Andes

09/07 Flagship Program 4 – Digital revolution in agriculture

This session explored how digital technologies were transforming agricultural management and decision-making. Presentations highlighted the use of satellite observations, precision agriculture, artificial intelligence, digital decision-support platforms, and AgTech innovations to improve productivity while enhancing environmental sustainability.

• Martín Durante (INTA, Argentina) – Satellite monitoring of pasture biomass
• Liliana Ríos (AGROSAVIA, Colombia) – Tropical Agriculture 4.0 and water management
• Fernando Lattanzi (INIA, Uruguay) – Scaling AgTech innovation
• Álvaro Roel (INIA, Uruguay) – Satellite monitoring and verification of methane emissions
• Patricio Sandaña (Universidad Austral, Chile) – Online crop management platforms

10/07 Flagship Program 5 – The Future Food Basket

This session focused on agricultural diversification and innovations that contributed to resilient and nutritious food systems. Speakers presented research on biodiversity, sustainable horticulture, biological technologies, post-harvest protection, value-added products, and crop improvement, demonstrating how these innovations strengthened food security and agricultural competitiveness.

• Javier Pitti (IDIAP, Panama) – Vertical farming technologies
• Federico Battistoni (IIBCE, Uruguay) – Biologicals platform for Latin American farms
• Gabriela Nicoleta Tenea (Universidad Técnica del Norte, Ecuador) – Postharvest bio-protectors
• Ivonne Ximena Ceron Salazar (Universidad de Tolima, Colombia) – Value-added mango products
• Fabián Jiménez (INTA, Costa Rica) – Regional genetic improvement network

10/07 Project Presentations

The finalist project presentations showcased some of the most promising research initiatives supported by FONTAGRO. The projects addressed topics including gene editing, climate-smart livestock systems, biofortified crops, disease management, soil carbon sequestration, and greenhouse gas mitigation, illustrating their potential to generate meaningful benefits for farmers, consumers, and the environment.

• Sergio Feingold (INTA, Argentina) – Gene editing for plants and animals
• Nelson Pérez (AGROSAVIA, Colombia) – Multipurpose silvopastoral systems
• Maika Barría (IDIAP, Panama) – Iron-rich bean alliances
• Mónica Betancourt (AGROSAVIA, Colombia) – Fusarium wilt prevention
• Verónica Ciganda (INIA, Uruguay) – Soil carbon sequestration
• Nicolás Ayub (INTA, Argentina) – Reducing nitrous oxide emissions from agriculture

The Outlook for Agriculture and Rural Development in the Americas

2 June 2026. The report “The Outlook for Agriculture and Rural Development in the Americas 2025–2026: A Perspective on Latin America and the Caribbean” was officially launched by the three organizations that jointly produce the report: the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean. 

The report focuses on sustainable agricultural productivity, resilient agrifood systems, rural development, and regional cooperation across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Main themes presented in the report

1. Sustainable and resilient agricultural productivity.
2. Food security and nutrition.
3. Rural development and territorial transformation.
4. Climate change adaptation and resilience.
5. Regional cooperation and integration.
6. Investment and innovation in agrifood systems.
7. Inclusive development for rural communities.

Indigenous and Neglected Crops: A Gateway to Sustainable Tourism

8 May 2025. Indigenous and Neglected Crops: A Gateway to Sustainable Tourism and Growth in Africa and the Caribbean 

Organized by AgriLuxe Marketing, in partnership with the University of the West Indies (UWI), the University of Johannesburg, and the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN), the event centered on discussing a bold new proposal for the first-ever indigenous crop-based tourism circuit connecting Africa and the Caribbean: the AfriCaribbean WILD Tourism Route, targeted to be Wholesome. Indigenous. Local. Diverse.

• The event was covered on a few media platforms, a link to one can be viewed here.
• Dowload the Summary report of this event : Summary Report_Afri Caribbean Indigenous Tourism Route Seminar 18 pp. 

This seminar was the first in a series to promote a wider initiative – AfriCaribbean Tourism Routes. Given increasing trends in tourism markets for local, healthy “authentic” culinary and cultural experiences, the tourism routes initiative between Africa and the Caribbean aims to promote the regions as sustainable and unique culinary cultural meccas for both international, regional, and domestic travelers and public and private sector investors. The seminar was in hybrid format (in-person and virtual).

The seminar was chaired by Mr. Jerry Mabena, CEO of the Motsamayi Tourism Group and  featured opening remarks and a keynote address from heads of UJ’s School of Tourism and  Hospitality, South Africa’s National Agricultural Marketing Council, the Tourism Business Council South Africa, and Africa Tourism Partners. 

It highlighted the social, economic, and environmental relevance of indigenous, neglected and under-utilized crops to Africa and the Caribbean. More specifically, to promote these African and Caribbean crops and related value-added foods and products as unique ingredients for developing sustainable tourism.

Entrepreneurs showcased real-world case studies – from indigenous teas and reimagined  culinary menus in South Africa, bespoke traditional catering in Zimbabwe, artisanal  chocolates by a rural network of African and Caribbean farmers and chocolate producers,  founded in Trinidad and Tobago, to farm tours in Grenada, and agricultural-based spa treatments in Barbados. Senior representatives from research institutions and development  partners, including the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, South Africa’s  Agricultural Research Council, Afreximbank, the International Finance Corporation, the  International Trade Centre, UN Tourism, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on  Agriculture, and the CARICOM Secretariat, highlighted areas in which they are already  partnering and other areas for future collaboration, to support the seminar objectives. 

OPENING REMARKS 

• Mr. John Steenhuisen, Minister, Department of Agriculture, Republic of South Africa (RSA) (tbc) 
• Mr. Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO, Tourism Business Council, RSA 
• Prof. Diane Abraham, Director, School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg

CONCEPTUAL AND OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORKS 

This presentation provided an overview of trends in the tourism markets that are relevant to indigenous and local food crops. It also reviews the food system framework to highlight the benefits of collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean in maximising these market opportunities for achieving their sustainable development goals, namely those linked to food and nutrition security, food import reduction, job creation, and climate change adaptations. 

• Ms. Jeanette Sutherland, Founder, AgriLuxe Marketing 

BUILDING BRIDGES: STRATEGIES AND LESSONS LEARNED IN CREATING CROSS-BORDER AGRITOURISM ROUTES 

This presentation provided strategic insights gleaned from creating an international tasting trail between the United States and Canada 

• Dr. Lisa Chase, Professor at the University of Vermont Extension, Director of the Vermont Tourism Research Center, past President and current Education Co-Chair of the Global Agritourism Network.

CASE STUDIES: COUNTRY RESPONSES TO FOOD AND WELLNESS TRENDS IN TOURISM MARKETS

Examples of primarily private sector-driven business responses highlighted, among other themes: 

• the key markets targeted, 
• social and environmental returns on their investments; 
• challenges in their supply chains; and 
• the role of smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs and how they can be more efficiently incorporated into agritourism value chains.

Fine Dining; Farm-2-Table 

• Case Study 1: Mr. Michael Daiber, Manager, !Khwa ttu, an award winning San heritage educational center and tourist destination transformed its restaurant menu to tell an indigenous story. 

 Food Festivals 

• Case Study 2. Chef Nyanda Peltier Charles, Founder, WATO Festival, Commonwealth of Dominica (celebrating Caribbean local foods and culture) 

Specialty Foods; Retail 

• Case Study 3: Ms. Gillian Goddard, Co-Founder, Chocolate Rebellion, (an African-Caribbean network of cocoa farmers and artisanal chocolate producers) 
• Case Study 4: Ms. Retang Phaahla, Co-Founder, Setšong African Tea Crafters, Limpopo, South Africa) (transforming local flora and fauna into an indigenous brand) 

Spa and Beauty Treatments 

• Case Study 5: Mr. Steve Andrews, Founder, Soothing Touch Spa and The Bamboo Retreat, Barbados (pampering agri-style) 

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

DEVELOPING AN AUTHENTIC, LOCAL, CULTURALLY DIVERSE FOOD ECOSYSTEM FOR SOUTH AFRICANS AND GLOBAL TOURISTS

This presentation explored key learnings from the development of a food ecosystem at the V&A Waterfront, one of South Africa’s premier tourist destinations. Participants gained insights into how this complex neighbourhood is leveraging market-driven strategies, driving an ambition to foster an example of a just, equitable and sustainable food landscape, benefiting local communities, small-scale farmers and culinary entrepreneurs

• Mr. Henry Mathys, Strategic Programme Manager, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa.

REDEFINING FARM LIFE – REIMAGINING LUXURY 

This presentation showcased how farms, traditionally places for food production, can now be hubs for health and wellness experiences, tapping into an emerging market of travellers seeking nature-based therapies, organic foods, and holistic well-being experiences. 

• Ms. Shadel Nyack Compton, Managing Director, Belmont Estate, Grenada 

POTENTIAL FOR HERITAGE FOOD TRAILS IN THE CARIBBEAN 

This presentation highlighted success stories in food and wellness tourism in selected Caribbean countries and the development of regional heritage trails linking indigenous foods and healing cultures 

• Ms. Ena Harvey, Agritourism Specialist 

LINKING ENTREPRENEURSHIP-AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA AND THE CARIBBEAN: FROM FARM TO TABLE 

This presentation highlighted opportunities in the agri-food model to drive entrepreneurial innovations for meeting the demands of both local and global tourism markets. 

• Ms. Isolina Boto, Head of Networks and Alliances, COLEAD 

ROTECTING HERITAGE AND PROMOTING GROWTH: THE ROLE OF GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS (GIs) IN MARKETING INDIGENOUS AND NEGLECTED FOOD CROPS 

This presentation explored how the recognition of these crops with a GI label can elevate their marketing value, attract tourism, and stimulate sustainable local economies. It also touched on the challenges of establishing such systems and the impact of protecting indigenous knowledge in both the agricultural sector and cultural tourism. 

• Mr. Mark Forgenie, Managing Director, Vista Dorado Estates Moruga Hill Rice 

CULTIVATING CONNECTIONS – THE ROLE OF TOUR OPERATORS IN SHAPING AGRITOURISM EXPERIENCES ACROSS AFRICA AND THE CARIBBEAN 

The presentation highlighted the role of tour operations in, among others, facilitating logistics and operations for a competitive agritourism route, marketing and promotion, and creating tailored tourism packages while supporting local community engagements 

• Mr. Muthuri Kinyamu, Founder, Turn Up Travel and Board Member, Kenya Ecotourism. 

IMPROVING CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN AFRICA AND THE CARIBBEAN 

Increased and competitive connectivity between the two regions is required for efficient South-South collaboration in maximising opportunities in tourism markets for mainstreaming indigenous food crops. This presentation provided an update on flight options between Africa and the Caribbean, based on the joint venture between Air Peace and Antigua and Barbuda. 

• Ms. Hafsah Abdulsalam, CEO, LIAT 2020 

PROMOTING SOUTH-SOUTH COLLABORATION AND AGRITOURISM TRADE BETWEEN AFRICA AND THE CARIBBEAN 

Afreximbank is leading a transformative process to strengthen social and economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean. Facilitating trade and investment is a vital step in this process and has formed a major part of the bank’s Diaspora Strategy. This presentation explored how this support can be leveraged to promote joint investments in establishing an African-Caribbean tourism trade route centred on indigenous and neglected crops bundled with the regions’ cultural and creative assets. 

• Afreximbank 

TAKING ACTION: MAKING A PITCH 

This presentation provided an investment pitch for developing a WILD food safari around homestead communities in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces to complement South Africa’s well developed wildlife safari. It also highlighted lessons for integrating indigenous and neglected crops into more mature tourism market segments. 

• Mr. Dave Varty, Co-Founder & Co-Owner, Londolozi Private Game Reserve 

This presentation shared plans for RICE, Rising in Community Everyday, a proposed festival for promoting communities’ uniqueness through culinary art and experiences 

• Chef Chaz Brown, Executive Chef at Garces Events

RESPONSES FROM ACADEMIA

This session shared Academia and Development Partners’ agenda, particularly in terms of 

(i) on-going related activities; (ii) opportunities for collaboration among themselves for increasing efficiencies in delivering related impacts; and (iii) opportunities for new investments to contribute to maximising African and Caribbean indigenous and local food crops for sustainable tourism and development.

• Prof Michael Abberton, Director of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Genetic Resources Program and Lead for IITA’s work on neglected crops 
• Dr Hema Kesa, Director, Food Evolution Research Laboratory and Senior Lecturer at the School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg 
• Prof Mark N. Wuddivira, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of the West Indies 
• Dr. Yolisa Pakela-Jezile, Acting Executive Manager, Crops and Natural Resources, Agricultural Research Council, RSA

RESPONSES FROM DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS

• Mr. Samuel Kamau Nganga, Manager, Manufacturing, Agriculture and Services, International Finance Corporation 
• Mr. William Castro Rodriguez, Sr. Trade Officer, Caribbean Unit, International Trade Centre 
• Ms. Sandra Carvao, Director, Market Intelligence, Policies, and Competitiveness, United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) 
• Ms. Shauna Brandon, Rural Development Specialist, Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) 
• Mr. Jonathan Lewis, Program Manager, Gates Foundation 
• Dr. Wendell Samuel, Sr. Advisor to the Secretary General and Acting Assistant Secretary General, Directorate for Economic Integration, Innovation, and Development, CARICOM Secretariat

A key highlight of the seminar was an inspiring “elevator pitch session,” including a proposal  for a WILD Food Safari in Mpumalanga, South Africa, to leverage the province’s wildlife  game safari – an already well-established tourism offering; and another to promote high-end  food events based exclusively on indigenous, underutilized, and emblematic crops, including  Trinidad and Tobago’s Moruga Hill rice. 

The seminar concluded with a call to action from FANRPAN’s CEO, Dr. Madzivhandila, for long-term funding to be increased for feasible tourism projects that promote the regions’ indigenous and neglected food crops.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Moruga Hill rice: