IRAPUATO, Mexico, Jun 29 2015 – Agricultural producers and professionals from 13 Caribbean and Central American countries are attending a training programme in the use of biotechnology in agriculture.
The training is organised by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), in collaboration with the Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute of Irapuato (CINVESTAV Irapuato).
The course, which ends on July 1, provides an overview of applied biotechnology techniques for improving soils and varieties, as well as sustainable agricultural practices. The goal is for participants to drive decision-making and promote development and research on this topic.
According to the organisers, biotechnology is a modern and effective tool for product and economic development in a country; as a result, its implementation is important for improving production and preserving biodiversity.
The countries participating in the workshop are Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Costa Rica, Dominica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago.
The initiative is part of the Mexico-Caribbean-Central American Countries Technical Cooperation Programme led by IICA and the General Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA) of Mexico, which seeks to strengthen the capacities of the agricultural sector.
“The programme addresses the specific needs of the participating countries through short training events that focus on improving agricultural productivity and generating economic impact. It is supported by the Mexican Secretariat of Foreign Affairs and the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (AMEXCID), as well as educational and research institutions” the organisers said in a statement.
