Online Launching of CAF's new-look-agriculture strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean

Latin America and the Caribbean produce food for nearly 1.3 billion people, grow 14% of the world's crops, are home to 50% of global biodiversity, 30% of arable land, 30% of fresh water and 57% of the planet's primary forests.

Exports from the region's agricultural sector represent 18.4% of world exports in the sector and triple imports, with a positive agrifood trade balance of approximately US$238 billion annually (OPSAa,2022), with the countries of the region being world leaders in various productions, and Latin America and the Caribbean being the main net exporter of food at the global level.

The region's agrifood systems are critical for the provision of food and nutritional security at the local, regional and global levels. On the other hand, they are vulnerable to the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including drought. There are sustainable, regenerative and resilient agricultural practices that can reduce climate impacts, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting and restoring strategic natural ecosystems and their biodiversity, and conserving key natural resources such as water and soils.

On the other hand, the agricultural sector presents new development opportunities for the region, such as the bioeconomy, superfoods and creative economies, associated with the region's culinary culture.
A new vision is required for the sector based on the concept of prosperity along the entire value chain, from the producer to the consumer, allowing for improved incomes, reduced poverty and inequality, greater regional and territorial integration, productive development based on natural capital, more knowledge and innovation, and support for greater investment and financing in physical and digital infrastructure and access to markets.

Date: March 24, 2025.

Time: 18:00 Chilean time

*The event will be broadcasted through this microsite