EU–LAC Agri-food Dialogue VI Boosts Bi-regional Cooperation to Strengthen Organic Systems

The 6th EU–LAC Agri-food Dialogue, organised by AL-INVEST Verde in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), provided an opportunity to advance discussions on strengthening organic systems and promoting more sustainable agri-food markets. Held virtually, the event continued the technical agenda established during previous dialogues, consolidating this forum as a benchmark for bi-regional cooperation.

The opening session featured Emilio Calvo, Director of AL-INVEST Verde Component 2, Elena Panichi, Head of Unit at the European Commission’s DG AGRI, and Lloyd Day, Deputy Director General of IICA. They highlighted the importance of deepening cooperation between the European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean in response to growing global demand for organic products and the regulatory challenges associated with sustainability.

During the session, Graciela Lacaze, Executive Secretary of the Inter-American Commission for Organic Agriculture (CIAO), presented the main outcomes of the 5th Dialogue held in Quito, Ecuador. She emphasised the need to advance regulatory convergence, improve certification and control systems, and foster technological innovation in organic production.

The main panel focused on priority elements for strengthening organic systems. Luis Carazo (DG AGRI) outlined developments in the European regulatory framework and the roadmap for the coming months, while Ivonne Díaz (Mexico) and Lucero Rodríguez Huertas (Colombia) shared national experiences in organic regulation and control. In addition, Anselmo Méndez Álvarez (Veritas, Spain) analysed European market trends and opportunities for Latin American producers.

The session also included a segment dedicated to innovation, featuring contributions from Alessandra Trinchera (CREA, Italy) and Natalia Curcio (CABIO, Argentina). They presented advances in bio-inputs and technologies applied to more productive and resilient organic systems, highlighting their potential to enhance the competitiveness of producers in both regions.

In his closing remarks, Davide Bonechi, Senior Programme Manager of AL-INVEST Verde Component 2, stressed the importance of maintaining an ongoing technical dialogue to promote sustainable value chains, facilitate access to high-value markets, and strengthen agri-food cooperation between the European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean.

About AL-INVEST Verde

AL-INVEST Verde is a European Union (EU) programme whose main objective is to promote sustainable growth and job creation in Latin America by supporting the transition towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient and more circular economy. Through Component 2, led by FIAP in consortium with IILA, the programme provides assistance to strengthen public policies and multi-stakeholder dialogue on sustainable agricultural and value chains, environmental and labour standards, as well as sustainable trade and economic policies and regulatory frameworks.