New Business Opportunities Emerge from Recent Agricultural Conference in Buenos Aires

In a pivotal week of activities that culminated on August 13, 2025, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) successfully organized a visit from three ministers representing Central American and Caribbean nations. This gathering aimed to explore and establish new avenues for commerce and cooperation with Argentina, particularly within the agricultural sector.

The event took place in the vibrant capital of Buenos Aires, witnessing the participation of a diverse group of international experts, including prominent figures from the agricultural community and governmental sectors. These discussions were amplified by the attendance of 15,000 farmers from Argentina and abroad, all eager to delve into topics surrounding innovation and sustainable practices in agriculture.

Key attendees included Roberto Linares, Panama's Minister of Agricultural Development; Frederick Stephenson, Foreign Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; and Ravi Ratiram, Senator and Minister of Agriculture, Lands, and Fisheries of Trinidad and Tobago. They were accompanied by Manuel Otero, the Director General of IICA, and other experts such as Walter Baethgen from Columbia University and Kip Tom from the America First Policy Institute. Together, they engaged in high-level discussions focusing on the integration of Central American economies with Argentina's robust agricultural industry, a significant player on the global stage.

The program featured the AAPRESID Congress, an event where the IICA played an integral role in enlightening attendees on agricultural challenges and opportunities. With over 160 round tables, 450 speakers, and 150 exhibitors, this congress addressed both local and international agricultural narrative challenges.

Discussions at the congress underscored an urgent need for a fresh narrative in agriculture across the Americas, aimed at adequately depicting the sector’s relevance in ensuring food security, soil regeneration, and biodiversity conservation. Jack Bobo, Executive Director at UCLA's Rothman Family Institute, emphasized the increasing life expectancy globally, attributing significant improvements in nutrition to advancements in agriculture. Meanwhile, Walter Baethgen pointed out the critical void of public understanding about food production, advocating for better communication strategies.

Minister Linares expressed optimism about the productive meetings held during the visit, advocating for a strengthened partnership between Panama and Argentina. He highlighted Panama's potential to offer logistical support for agricultural exports, which could be beneficial for both nations. Minister Stephenson echoed the sentiment, discussing how the cooperative initiatives facilitated through the IICA could yield reciprocal benefits for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as other Caribbean nations vulnerable to climate-related disasters.

During a visit to the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) in Castelar, the ministers observed leading-edge practices in floriculture and hydroponic vegetable production, demonstrating Argentina's commitment to advanced agricultural technology and research. Ratiram appreciated witnessing the transition from theory to practice through technological investments in agriculture. He noted the pivotal role of engaging youth in these initiatives, reaffirming agriculture as a vital way of life in Argentina.

Ongoing dialogues further emphasized the necessity for greater investment in agricultural research, technical capacity building, and the formation of new evidence-based public policies. The key stakeholders recognized these critical components as essential for advancing agricultural practices in the Americas. Moreover, Otero expressed a belief that agricultural issues will command more significant attention in the public agenda as newfound narratives emphasize its role in tackling pressing global challenges.

In conclusion, this conference not only facilitated a platform for bilateral discussions but also laid the groundwork for broader cooperation, highlighting the essential role of agriculture as a cornerstone for economic development and collaboration in the region. This week-long event in Buenos Aires marked a substantial step towards forging a robust and innovative agricultural community across Central America and the Caribbean, in alignment with the rich agricultural heritage and expertise of Argentina.