In December 2025, Agrosavia, Colombia’s agricultural research leader, joined the China–Latin America and the Caribbean Sustainable Food Innovation Center (CLAC-SFI). This connection aims to blend research with practical solutions for food security and sustainability.
It may seem abstract, but the outcomes can be very tangible—think better seeds, quicker disease alerts, or smarter water usage in unpredictable weather.
The partnership focuses on innovation and food security through shared training and research. It brings together 12 Chinese universities and research centers, along with institutions from Colombia, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. Together, they will shape cooperative plans to tackle agricultural challenges.
This collaboration fits into Agrosavia’s strategy to strengthen Colombia’s position in global agri-food innovation. It fosters an approach where partners share methods and goals, rather than working alone.
CLAC-SFI is built for ongoing collaboration. It promotes high-level training, research, and access to resources that can be difficult for individual institutions to navigate. The center was set up in October 2024 in Sanya, China, and now has branches in Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.
Agrosavia sees great potential in working on projects related to bioeconomy, precision agriculture, and animal health. While these terms may sound technical, the underlying goal is quite simple: to improve crop yields, manage risks better, and adapt to challenging weather conditions.
The partnership includes expert exchanges and training opportunities, as well as access to advanced scientific resources. However, turning laboratory discoveries into practical farming techniques is key. Farmers need clear guidance and reliable tools, especially as new technologies emerge.
In simple terms, this could mean employing sensors to optimize fertilization or using software to assess soil health. The aim is to create tools that save time, money, and stress for farmers.
While international cooperation can drive innovation, it also comes with responsibilities. Research partnerships need to prioritize biodiversity, protect local knowledge, and ensure fair data usage. Outcomes should benefit the local population directly. A recent project led by the FAO reported over 70 digital training sessions and the distribution of 400 devices, benefiting 800 rural residents directly and impacting over 4,000 others indirectly.
For Colombia, the challenge remains: how to ensure small producers have a voice in these advancements. Agrosavia’s entry into CLAC-SFI is a key step, but the focus now shifts to practical outcomes. Successful partnerships will be defined by real-world support for farmers, not just headlines. This collaborative effort offers a promising path toward improving agricultural practices and community resilience in Colombia.
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AGROSAVIA,China-LAC cooperation,CLAC-SFI,Food security,precision agriculture,sustainable farming
