Agri-food Digitalization Program

In recent years, there has been rapid growth in digital and mechatronic solutions within agri-food systems, alongside significant advances in artificial intelligence that are expected to transform the sector in the near term. However, adoption remains limited due to challenges such as insufficient infrastructure and a lack of digital skills. In the coming years, continued rapid development is expected, along with an acceleration in adoption. Digital progress has also driven a new innovation model led by agtech entrepreneurs, supported by an ecosystem that includes accelerators, investors, universities, and public institutions. While the Americas are experiencing promising growth in these ecosystems, significant disparities remain between countries and compared to more advanced regions. In this context, the digital transformation of agriculture highlights the urgent need for proactive and coordinated efforts across the region to maximize benefits and reduce existing gaps. Within this scenario, IICA is positioned to play a strategic role as both an articulator and catalyst of a dynamic and responsible digital transformation. In line with its mission, the topic has become a top priority within IICA’s cooperation agenda, leading to the creation of the Agri-Food Digitalization Program. Its objective is to promote the development and strategic use of digital solutions and AI across agri-food value chains in member countries, with the aim of improving productivity, sustainability, and rural development, while preventing the widening of gaps and technological exclusion.