International Conference on Tropical Agriculture: A Global Call to Empower the Tropics
Costa Rica, July 29–31, 2025 — The International Conference on Tropical Agriculture, co-organized by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE), brought together global leaders in science, policy, education and finance to focus on a shared imperative:
Tropical agriculture in Latin America and the Caribbean is fundamental to global food security—and must receive the investment, innovation and recognition it urgently deserves.
Key Themes of the Conference
The three-day event featured high-level dialogue and cross-sector collaboration aimed at strengthening sustainable, resilient agricultural systems across tropical regions. Discussions centered on connecting:
Sustainable agricultural production
Education and technical training
Scientific research and innovation
Inclusive public policies
Tailored development financing
Notable Voices and Insights
Key participants included:
VĂctor Carvajal, Costa Rica’s Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, who emphasized the growing impact of climate change and global market volatility on tropical producers and the increasing need for investment in research and innovation.
Beatriz Paredes, Goodwill Ambassador for IICA and expert in sustainable rural development, who advocated for the inclusion of smallholder farmers and Indigenous communities—key stewards of tropical lands—in public policy and credit systems.
Dr. Manuel Otero, Director General of IICA, who underscored tropical agriculture’s unique potential to contribute to food, nutritional, and energy security.
"We must turn this potential into action," he said.
Dr. Luis Pocasangre, Director General of CATIE, who highlighted the institution’s decades-long role in educating professionals and advancing integrated land use systems such as agroforestry and silvopastoral models.
Honoring a Legacy of Leadership
A special tribute was given to Dr. Otero, with the dedication of CATIE’s new Inter-American Chair on Tropical Agriculture, honoring his leadership in technical cooperation, regional integration and education for sustainable development.
The Tropics Foundation’s Commitment
At The Tropics Foundation, we are proud to support and amplify initiatives like this conference, which align with our mission to champion sustainable development in tropical regions through science, collaboration and equity.
We believe deeply in the transformative power of tropical agriculture—not only for local communities and ecosystems, but for the well-being of our entire planet.
🌍 Tropical agriculture is not a peripheral issue—it is central to a sustainable global future.
#TropicalAgriculture #Sustainability #FoodSecurity #AgInnovation #TheTropicsFoundation #IICA #CATIE #ClimateResilience #Agroforestry #GlobalDevelopment
Written by: Institutional Communications Office – IICA
📧 comunicacion.institucional@iica.int
Edited by: Estefanie RamĂrez Brenes.
📧 estefanie.ramirez@catie.ac.cr