Chapter 3 - Laurens Klerkx - Professor at the University of Talca and Wageningen University

FAO addresses the future of agri-food systems 4.0 to transform the agricultural landscape in Latin America and the Caribbean   

"We need to rethink the way we approach agricultural innovation, emphasizing the role of local knowledge and regional cooperation to address global challenges effectively," said agricultural innovation expert Laurens Klerkx, the guest in the most recent episode of the series.  

July, Santiago, Chile -In this session of the Agrovisiones series, Laurens Klerkx, a recognized expert in agricultural innovation, shared his ideas on the future of agri-food systems 4.0. His perspective involves integrating advanced technologies, fostering regional collaborations, and leveraging local knowledge to transform the agricultural landscape in Latin America and the Caribbean.  

Klerkx offered a compelling narrative on how digitization, smart agriculture, and sustainable practices can revolutionize agriculture. His experience working with diverse stakeholders underscores the importance of strategic vision and commitment to sustainable solutions in the agri-food sector. In addition, he highlights the need for supportive policies and public-private partnerships to drive economic and social growth in the region.  

The guest speaker also addressed the challenges and opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses in Latin America. He emphasized the critical role of science, technology, collaboration, and responsible consumption in improving agricultural productivity and sustainability. His advocacy for modernizing agricultural practices underscores the importance of mobilizing knowledge and resources to stimulate innovation and economic development.  

The interviewee offered valuable advice for future agricultural entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of ethics, responsible innovation, and community engagement. His vision of a more sustainable and equitable food system reflects a holistic approach to advancing agriculture in Latin America and the Caribbean. 

Chapter 4 : Eugenia Saini - Executive Secretary of FONTAGRO

FONTAGRO: Promoting Science, Technology, and Innovation

"One can work from science to achieve more resilient production systems, and digitalization is the engine that speeds up many processes."

Eugenia Saini's vision is to foster cooperation and dialogue among countries to facilitate the financing of initiatives that promote science and technology in the region. Since 2017, as the Executive Secretary of Fontagro, she has witnessed the impact of supporting 27 countries in enhancing their scientific, technological, and innovation capabilities, with a particular focus on climate change and sustainability.

In the fourth edition of Agrovisiones, Saini highlighted various achievements of Fontagro, such as the creation of a digital platform for project evaluation and collaboration with strategic partners like New Zealand. Her focus on collaboration with NGOs, government agencies, and multilateral banks aims to avoid duplication and promote resource mobilization. Meanwhile, her interest in strengthening relationships with the private sector and improving the resilience of production systems through digitalization and technological innovation underscores her commitment to a sustainable future.

Finally, Saini emphasized the importance of digitalization and investment in science to tackle the challenges of climate change and ensure sustainability in agriculture and food technology, charting a path towards more resilient and collaborative development in the region.

Chapter 5 : Miguel Altieri Professor University California Berkeley "Agroecology"

Agroecology: Miguel Altieri

"I believe that language is crucial for translating this integration of knowledge into concrete examples that serve as educational tools, enabling others to change their production systems."

As a young agronomist in the 1970s, Miguel Altieri appreciated the polyculture systems managed by farmers in Colombia, which were very different from the industrial monocultures he had been taught in his Chilean agricultural school. This was the beginning of the development of the agroecological principles and theory that Miguel promoted, along with other collaborators, throughout his career.

Agroecology, a hybrid science that bridges modern science and peasant or indigenous knowledge, promotes agriculture that respects local knowledge specific to each territory. One aspect that Dr. Altieri emphasizes in the fifth interview for Agrovisiones is the importance of the language used to facilitate dialogue for integrating the knowledge of all actors involved in effective agroecological implementation.

Altieri's proposal for achieving large-scale agroecological implementation includes the formation of human capital, both technical and professional, in addition to public policies conducive to agroecological expansion. Examples of this include land access policies and those related to training programs.

Currently, agroecology has expanded and is taught at various Latin American universities, such as those in Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Chile, to name a few. However, according to Altieri, this is insufficient if we want to achieve the much-desired transformation of food systems to address the global challenges of overpopulation and climate change.

Chapter 6: Hannes Van den Eeckhout, Rootical Founder

Rootical: Reconciliation between agroecology and business

“Our impact theory is to accelerate the transition towards food systems by creating agroecological enterprises to contribute to soil regeneration, soil life, the regeneration of farms, entire landscapes, improving water management, and also contributing to local economies and thriving communities for well-being”.

Belgian engineer Hannes van den Eeckhout is the co-founder of Rootical, a Startup Studio established in 2021 aimed at strengthening the agroecological movement in Uganda. His focus is on creating regenerative businesses and promoting purposeful entrepreneurship. This studio empowers entrepreneurs to build and manage their own sustainable agri-food businesses.

Hannes firmly believes that promoting territorial, direct, and organic value chains is essential for sustainable rural development. Recently, he expressed his desire to expand Rootical to Latin America, inviting local entrepreneurs to join in this collaboration.

His message to young farmers was clear: to embark on their ventures with courage, focus on user needs, and carefully consider the ownership and financing models of their businesses. He emphasized that agroecology is the path to a sustainable future.

Chapter 7 : Pablo Caputi Head of Strategy and Innovation at the National Ins. of meat

Livestock Production Based on Innovation

“INAC drives the entire innovation movement, always taking care of the integral development of the chain in economic, social, and environmental aspects, in an integrated manner”

Pablo Caputi, interviewed in October, has over 18 years of work experience in key positions at the National Institute of Meat of Uruguay (INAC). His management at the Institute has focused on innovation as a way to increase the competitiveness of the meat sector against other countries, promoting a culture of innovation in all its activities.

Among the ongoing innovation projects, he mentioned research on nutrition and health, sustainability, communication, and marketing, always in collaboration with universities and public and private institutions, strengthening their alliances to maximize innovation potential.

He highlighted that consumers demand for meat have changed, with people seeking sustainable products and responsible processes, which represents both a challenge and an opportunity. To address sustainability, INAC is working on initiatives such as the Environmental Footprint of Livestock and Digital Environmental Traceability, aligning with international commitments.

Digitalization is key to INAC's strategy, as it enhances efficiency and unleashes the creative potential of new generations. Looking to the future, INAC aims to be useful to all actors in the meat chain and continue evolving in the global context.

Chapter 8: María José de la Fuente - Chief Excutive Officer of Huiro Regenerativo

Huiro Regenerativo: Innovation in Aquaculture for a Triple Impact

María José de la Fuente grew up fascinated by seaweed and its regenerative capacity. During her training as a marine biologist, she discovered its potential as an ecosystem engineer and realized that an academic approach alone was insufficient to address the urgent challenges of sustainability. This led her to co-found Huiro Regenerativo with Sebastián Gatica.

Huiro Regenerativo integrates social, environmental, and economic aspects into its model. Its main mission is to develop sustainable seaweed farming practices that regenerate ecosystems and improve conditions for coastal communities in Chile. Many of these communities rely on seaweed harvesting but face low incomes and unsustainable practices. The company works with Macrocystis pyrifera (giant kelp) and Gracilaria chilensis (red seaweed), promoting a transition from extractive models to responsible farming that benefits both the environment and people.

With their ability to sequester carbon and absorb pollutants, the seaweed cultivated by Huiro Regenerativo plays a key role in the fight against climate change. The company is also making progress in accurately measuring the positive environmental impact of its farms. In terms of expansion, Huiro Regenerativo operates in regions such as Los Lagos and Aysén, while exploring new national and international territories, adapting its techniques to the unique characteristics of each ecosystem.

Huiro Regenerativo exemplifies how innovation, science, and collaboration can converge to tackle socio-environmental challenges. It demonstrates that seaweed not only regenerates ecosystems but also revitalizes communities and economies.