PAI focused on technology extension

1.2% of the 497 productive articulation initiatives (PAI) (same 20 countries; 2023–2025) focus on technology extension services (ECLAC, 2025).

IAP ICT: digitization of agri-food chains

51 initiatives correspond to information and communication technologies (ICT) in the report’s IAP mapping (ECLAC, 2025).

51 iniciativas corresponden a tecnologías de la información y las comunicaciones (TIC) en el mapeo de IAP del informe (CEPAL, 2025).

Fermentation with coffee waste increases its score

This study assessed the use of coffee by-products (mucilage, pulp, and yogurt) as starter cultures in semi-wet fermentation. Significant sugar reduction and enhanced formation of desirable aromatic compounds raised the cup score from 84 (control) to 86.7, qualifying it as specialty coffee (Díaz Medina, J. A. et al., 2024).

Díaz Medina, J. A., Castro Cifuentes, A. G., Rodríguez Morales, A. M., Lozano Sandoval, F. C., & Ramírez Cadavid, D. A. (2024).

Universidad del Valle, Colombia Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (Colombia)

Use of certified seed in rice crops

19% of commercial rice hectares use certified seed in Ecuador, evidencing low technological adoption (Redacción El Universo, 2025).

19% de las hectáreas comerciales de arroz utiliza semilla certificada en Ecuador, evidenciando una baja adopción tecnológica (Redacción El Universo, 2025).

Redacción El Universo (9 de julio, 2025)

Regional agricultural digitalization potential

45% could increase Latin American agricultural productive efficiency through the coordinated implementation of digital transformation strategies, including adapted mechanization and robotics, digital innovation, and artificial intelligence according to CAF projections (Velásquez, A., 2025).

45% podría incrementarse la eficiencia productiva agrícola latinoamericana mediante la implementación coordinada de estrategias de transformación digital, incluyendo mecanización y robótica adaptada, innovación digital e inteligencia artificial según proyecciones de CAF (Velásquez, A., 2025).

Velásquez, A. (2025). Estudios arqueológicos del aguacate en Mesoamérica. Editorial Académica.

Agricultural support

1.3% of GDP and 16% of agricultural GDP in LAC correspond to agricultural support (Conroy et al., 2024).

(Conroy et al., 2024).

Conroy, H., Rondinone, G., De Salvo, C. P., y Muñoz, G. (2024). Políticas agropecuarias en América Latina y el Caribe 2023. https://doi.org/10.18235/0013100

River harvesting technologies

2 main uses have rainwater harvesting techniques in Trinidad and Tobago: residential and agricultural, as a cost-effective solution (Govia & Roopnarine, 2024).

2 usos principales se promueven para las técnicas estandarizadas de recolección de agua de lluvia en Trinidad y Tobago: residencial y agrícola, como tecnología rentable para el sector (Govia & Roopnarine, 2024).

Govia, S., & Roopnarine, R. (2024). Untapped and Untold: The Hidden Connection between Water and Sustainability in Trinidad and Tobago. Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA). Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

Solar irrigation technologies

3 solar water technologies are gaining momentum in Trinidad and Tobago: solar desalination, solar disinfection and photocatalytic degradation, especially beneficial for rural agricultural areas (Govia & Roopnarine, 2024).

3 tecnologías de agua solar están ganando impulso en Trinidad y Tobago: desalinización solar, desinfección solar y degradación fotocatalítica, especialmente beneficiosas para áreas rurales agrícolas (Govia & Roopnarine, 2024).

Govia, S., & Roopnarine, R. (2024). Untapped and Untold: The Hidden Connection between Water and Sustainability in Trinidad and Tobago. Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA). Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

Red macroalgae for sustainable agriculture

The article analyzes the biotechnological potential of the red macroalgae Kappaphycus alvarezii, Acanthophora spicifera, and Hypnea spinella as an ecological alternative for sustainable agriculture in Ecuador. It highlights their bioactive compounds—polysaccharides, amino acids, polyphenols, and phytohormones—which can replace synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. It also highlights that their cultivation does not compete with land or require fresh water, offering a viable option for reducing agrochemicals, improving plant productivity, and strengthening the coastal economy through the use of sustainable marine resources.

Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, Guayaquil, Ecuador. Laboratory of Crop Protection Chemistry, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University. Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador (CIBE), Campus Gustavo Galindo, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Pacheco, A., Choez, E. L., Naranjo-Morán, J., & Santana, P. M. (2024). Macroalgas rojas: una alternativa ecológica para la agricultura sostenible del Ecuador. Boletín de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras, 53(2), 143-168.

Agri-food public spending

23.4 billion per year on average (2001-2021) represented 0.67% of LAC GDP in public agrifood spending (ECLAC et al., 2024).

CEPAL. et al, 2024

"FAO, IICA, CEPAL y P M A. 2024. Financiamiento para la seguridad alimentaria y la nutrición en América Latina y el Caribe. Santiago de Chile. https://doi.org/10.4060/cd0527es"