Within the framework of the Work Programme of the Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA) for 2025, following up on the line of action related to regional food sustainability, the III Virtual Seminar on modernisation and technology for sustainable agriculture in Latin America and the Caribbean will be held. This event responds to the urgent need to strengthen food security in SELA Member States, considering structural challenges such as climate change, the degradation of natural resources and the growing demand for food (FAO, 2024)[1].

The seminar will consolidate a space for dialogue and technical cooperation on key innovations in the agricultural sector, with an emphasis on precision agriculture and biotechnology, which are fundamental tools for transforming agri-food systems and ensuring their long-term resilience and sustainability (CAF, 2023)[2].

The Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region is characterised by great economic and agricultural diversity, with agriculture remaining a key sector for many economies. According to the Inter-American Development Bank (2024), agriculture accounts for about 7% of regional gross domestic product (GDP), although this figure varies greatly from country to country: in states such as Mexico and Chile, the contribution is less than 4%, while in countries such as Belize and Nicaragua it exceeds 15%, and in Paraguay it reaches up to 20%.

In terms of employment, agriculture accounts for around 15% of the regional total, making it a key source of jobs, especially in rural areas. These figures reflect the importance of the agricultural sector for the region’s economy and social development. Therefore, technological modernisation through the adoption of innovations such as precision agriculture and biotechnology is essential to improve the sector’s productivity, sustainability and resilience in the face of current climatic and economic challenges (IDB, 2024)[3]. According to the IDB (2022)[4], precision agriculture is based on the use of digital technologies, sensors, geographic information systems (GIS), satellite imagery and data analysis to optimise the use of inputs and resources, increasing productivity and reducing environmental impact. This practice allows farmers to make more informed decisions about irrigation, fertilisation and crop management, which is key in the face of the challenges of climate change and sustainability.

In addition, agricultural biotechnology has enabled the development of crops that are more resistant to pests, diseases and adverse weather conditions, as well as improving the nutritional quality of food.[5] These innovations have had a positive impact in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), where countries such as Brazil, Chile and Argentina have positioned themselves as leaders in the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies, spearheading digital transformation processes in the agricultural sector that have improved efficiency, sustainability and international competitiveness.[6]

The FAO report The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024[7] presents a worrying picture of progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically with regard to the eradication of hunger and malnutrition. It underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing food security and nutrition, highlighting the importance of financing and implementing effective policies. Precision agriculture and biotechnology are emerging as key tools in this context, capable of transforming agricultural production and improving access to nutritious food. ECLAC, FAO and IICA (2021)[8] emphasise that innovation in the agricultural sector is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The seminar therefore aims to explore these issues in depth, fostering constructive dialogue among experts, academics and policymakers.

[1] FAO (2024). El estado de la seguridad alimentaria y la nutrición en el mundo 2024. https://www.fao.org/publications/fao-flagship-publications/the-state-of-food-security-and-nutrition-in-the-world/es

[2] CAF (2023). Desafíos globales, soluciones regionales: América Latina y el Caribe frente a la crisis climática y de biodiversidad. https://scioteca.caf.com/handle/123456789/2089

[3] Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) (2024). Informe anual del Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo 2024: Resumen del año. Recuperado de https://publications.iadb.org/publications/spanish/document/Informe-anual-del-Banco-Interamericano-de-Desarrollo-2024-resena-del-ano.pdf

[4] Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) (2022, 18 October). Agricultura de precisión: tecnología para enfrentar el cambio climático.

https://blogs.iadb.org/innovacion/es/agricultura-de-precision-tecnologia-para-enfrentar-el-cambio-climatico/

[5] ECLAC, FAO & IICA (2023). La bioeconomía: oportunidades y desafíos para el desarrollo rural, agrícola y agroindustrial en América Latina y el Caribe. https://www.cepal.org/es/publicaciones/48615-la-bioeconomia-oportunidades-desafios-desarrollo-rural-agricola-agroindustrial

[6] Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) (2025). Information note: Digitalización de la agroindustria en América Latina y el Caribe: avances, desafíos y experiencias desde la CEPAL. https://www.cepal.org/es/notas/digitalizacion-la-agroindustria-america-latina-caribe-avances-desafios-experiencias-la-cepal 

[7] FAO (2024). El estado de la seguridad alimentaria y la nutrición en el mundo 2024. Available at: https://www.fao.org/publications/fao-flagship-publications/the-state-of-food-security-and-nutrition-in-the-world/es

[8] Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) (2021). Perspectivas de la agricultura y del desarrollo rural en las Américas: una mirada hacia América Latina y el Caribe 2021-2022. ECLAC. https://repositorio.cepal.org/bitstream/handle/11362/47208/1/CEPAL-FAO21-22_es.pdf

In 2023, SELA organised the Forum “Responding to the challenges of integration for the development of Latin America and the Caribbean,” where opportunities and challenges for the convergence of regional agri-food systems were identified. As a result, priority was given to the development of activities aimed at modernisation and the use of technology in the food sector.

As a result of the above and with the aim of continuing to identify key challenges and opportunities in food security, in 2024 a virtual seminar was proposed on Indicators for the Comprehensive Assessment of the Vulnerability of Agri-Food Systems, especially in aspects related to trade. Representatives from the FAO gave a lecture on the subject, and the report compiled the main practices for assessing vulnerability in the commercial sphere. This seeks to continue promoting the analysis, creation and implementation of effective public policies in Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Precision agriculture is a management strategy that collects, processes and analyses temporal, spatial and individual data, combining it with other information to accurately manage variations in the field. Its aim is to improve resource use efficiency, productivity, quality, profitability and sustainability in agricultural production (FAO, 2007)[1].

According to estimates by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB),[2] the Latin American precision agriculture market reached an approximate value of $770.66 million in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.4% projected through 2034. This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of technologies such as GNSS/GPS, sensors and agricultural management software, especially in leading countries such as Brazil, Mexico and Argentina.

For its part, the report Outlook for agriculture and rural development in the Americas 2023-2024 (ECLAC, FAO and IICA, 2023)[3] highlights that agricultural modernisation in Latin America and the Caribbean is strongly linked to the adoption of digital and precision technologies, which are key to improving the productivity, sustainability and resilience of regional agri-food systems.

The document also highlights the importance of strengthening regulatory frameworks, digital infrastructure, and institutional capacities to maximise the benefits of these technologies in the region. In contrast, reports from private consulting firms such as Informes de Expertos (2025)^[4] estimate that the Latin American precision agriculture market reached $1.86 billion in 2024, with an annual growth projection of 15.4% until 2029, led by Brazil, which accounts for approximately 45% of the regional share. However, all these sources agree that the expansion of these technologies is driven by the digitalisation of the agricultural sector and increased investment in innovation, suggesting that optimising access to and adoption of these tools will be key to the sustainable development of the sector.

In addition, agricultural biotechnology encompasses techniques such as genetic engineering and gene editing (CRISPR), which enable the development of crop varieties that are more resistant to pests, diseases and adverse climatic conditions, as well as improving their nutritional quality. This technology represents a fundamental strategy for agricultural innovation and modernisation, as it contributes to sustainability and food security by reducing dependence on agrochemicals and increasing production efficiency (ISAAA, 2021)[5].

The adoption of these technologies in the region offers multiple benefits. First, they increase agricultural productivity through more efficient use of inputs, resulting in higher yields at lower costs. They also help reduce environmental impact by optimising the use of fertilisers, water and pesticides, promoting more sustainable agricultural practices. Second, they improve the adaptation and resilience of production systems to the adverse effects of climate change, strengthening farmers’ ability to cope with variable and extreme weather conditions. Furthermore, these innovations strengthen food and nutritional security by increasing the availability and quality of food produced. Finally, they drive innovation and competitiveness in the regional agricultural sector, facilitating the incorporation of technological advances that enable Latin American countries to better position themselves in global markets and improve the socio-economic conditions of rural communities.

Brazil has consolidated its position as a regional leader in agricultural biotechnology and precision farming, driven by a technological revolution that has transformed its agricultural sector in recent decades. According to the Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock (CNA),[6] agribusiness accounts for almost a quarter of the national GDP, with a value of R$ 2.72 trillion in 2024 (approximately US$ 506.17 million), and the country is positioned as the world’s largest exporter of soybeans, coffee, orange juice, sugar, cotton, beef and chicken, as well as being the second largest exporter of corn.

This success is largely due to the incorporation of advanced technologies, such as improved seeds and precision farming systems, which have enabled significant increases in productivity and sustainability. A notable example of international cooperation is the partnership between Embrapa, the Brazilian Cooperation Agency and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), which seeks to deepen the transfer of technologies and knowledge in biotechnology, gene editing and digital agriculture to the Americas and Africa, strengthening food security and global sustainability (IICA, 2024)[7].

In turn, Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA), together with IICA, has promoted the use of bio-inputs as an alternative to chemical fertilisers, highlighting their potential to generate savings of up to US$ 5.1 billion annually and significantly reduce CO₂ emissions. This strategy is part of the effort to strengthen national agricultural innovation (MAPA & IICA, 2025).[8] In addition, the Brazilian government’s National Bioinputs Programme actively promotes the development of biotechnological solutions, including gene editing, to improve agricultural productivity in a sustainable manner.

At the same time, Chile stands out for its focus on plant biotechnology, especially in fruit crops for export. The country has made progress in adopting gene editing to improve the resistance and quality of its agricultural products, establishing itself as a benchmark for biotechnological innovation in the region. As for precision agriculture, the Agricultural Research Institute (INIA) has documented its successful implementation in fruit trees and vineyards, highlighting improvements in yield, efficiency in water and fertiliser use, and cost reduction. Technologies such as remote sensing, remote sensors, GIS and ICTs[9] have been implemented for practices such as differentiated pruning, selective harvesting and water stress monitoring.

Similarly, another noteworthy project in the region is the Satellite Agricultural Platform (PLAS) developed by INIA, ECLAC and the Foundation for Agricultural Innovation (2018). This project allows real-time monitoring of crop development, estimation of water requirements and application of high-precision agronomic management. This platform is an example for global agriculture of how to apply technology and digital agriculture for sustainability.

Within this framework, Chile’s Agricultural Research Institute (INIA) has developed digital platforms and training programmes in precision agriculture that have benefited more than 10,000 farmers nationwide. These initiatives include the implementation of technology showcases on different agricultural lands,[10] where innovations such as advanced irrigation systems, crop management and agroecological practices are applied, as well as the release of new plant varieties and patents that strengthen technology transfer to the productive sector. Likewise, INIA has invested in state-of-the-art equipment and has consolidated strategic partnerships to promote sustainable technologies that contribute to food security and the resilience of Chilean agriculture (INIA Chile, 2023)[11].

Precision agriculture and biotechnology are thus establishing themselves as fundamental pillars for innovation and modernisation in the agricultural sector in Latin America and the Caribbean. The advances and experiences of countries such as Brazil and Chile demonstrate the potential of these technologies to improve the productivity, sustainability and resilience of regional agriculture, offering a viable path for addressing the sector’s current and future challenges. Consequently, the adoption and expansion of these tools are essential for moving towards more inclusive, efficient and environmentally responsible agricultural development.

In line with its work on food sustainability and regional cooperation, SELA is organising this seminar with the aim of strengthening capacities, sharing experiences and formulating recommendations applicable to all Member States, in compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals and regional priorities in the area of food security.

[1] FAO (2007). Agricultura de precisión. AGROVOC Multilingual Thesaurus. Retrieved from: https://agrovoc.fao.org/browse/agrovoc/es/page/c_92363

[2] Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Estimaciones de las tendencias comerciales América Latina y el Caribe – Edición 2024.
https://publications.iadb.org/publications/spanish/document/Estimaciones-de-las-tendencias-comerciales-America-Latina-y-el-Caribe—Edicion-2024-Actualizacion-1T.pdf

[3] ECLAC, FAO, IICA. Perspectivas de la agricultura y del desarrollo rural en las Américas: una mirada hacia América Latina y el Caribe 2023-2024.
https://www.cepal.org/es/publicaciones/69183-perspectivas-la-agricultura-desarrollo-rural-americas-mirada-america-latina

[4] Informes de Expertos is a market analysis firm that publishes sector studies on Latin America, including trends, projections, and investment opportunities in sectors such as precision agriculture (2025). Latin American precision agriculture market. Available at: https://www.informesdeexpertos.com/informes/mercado-latinoamericano-de-agricultura-de-precision

[5]The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) is an organisation that disseminates information on agricultural biotechnology in developing countries (2021). Agricultural biotechnology in Latin America. Available at: https://www.isaaa.org/resources/publications/briefs/56/download/isaaa-brief-56-2021.pdf

[6]C Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock (CNA). (2024). Panorama do Agro 2024.
https://www.cnabrasil.org.br/cna/panorama-do-agro

[7] Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) (2024). Embrapa, la Agencia Brasileña de Cooperación y el IICA dan paso clave para profundizar la cooperación de las Américas y África a favor de la seguridad alimentaria y la sostenibilidad.
https://iica.int/es/prensa/noticias/embrapa-la-agencia-brasilena-de-cooperacion-y-el-iica-dan-paso-clave-para-profundizar-la-cooperacion-de-las-americas-y-africa-a-favor-de-la-seguridad-alimentaria-y-la-sostenibilidad-de-la-produc/

[8] This information is part of Brazil’s National Bioeconomy Strategy, promoted by MAPA and IICA, which encourages the use of bio-inputs as a key tool for agricultural sustainability. Available at: https://opsaa.iica.int/frame-4431

[9] GIS refers to Geographic Information Systems, tools that enable the capture, analysis and visualisation of spatial data. ICTs are Information and Communication Technologies, which encompass the use of software, hardware and networks to manage and transmit information in agricultural processes and other sectors.

[10] Agricultural land: territorial unit used for agricultural, livestock or forestry activities, recognised as the basis for agricultural production. Source: Adapted from FAO, Terminology Portal. www.fao.org/faoterm

[11] INIA Chile (2023). Annual Report 2023. Retrieved from: https://www.inia.cl/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Memoria-2023-INIA.pdf

1. Identify the main challenges and opportunities for the adoption and implementation of precision agriculture and biotechnology in the region, considering factors such as access to digital technologies, investment in infrastructure, technical training, and regulation of genetically modified organisms. 
2. Promote the exchange of best practices and lessons learned among countries and key stakeholders on the use of precision agriculture and biotechnology, highlighting success stories in crop optimisation, environmental impact reduction, and increased agricultural productivity. 
3. Encourage collaboration among governments, research institutions, the private sector, and international organisations to advance the development and deployment of agricultural technologies. 
4. Contribute to the development of a manual of recommendations containing sustainable agricultural practices for food systems in the region, emphasising the appropriate use of technology.

Format: virtual / live stream via Zoom and YouTube

Participants: Officials responsible for agriculture and sustainable development from the 24 SELA member countries and others interested in the topic

Language: Spanish and English

Date: 24 November 2025.

Hora: 11:00 am – 12:15 pm (Caracas time)

For further information, please contact:

• Gustavo Herrera, Coordinator of Social Development, gherrera@sela.org
• Luis Emilio Martínez, Social Development Analyst, lmartinezm@sela.org