Luis Pocasangre Enamorado assumes the role of the new General Director of CATIE

• With a robust background in agricultural research, Pocasangre will lead CATIE for the next four years.
• Muhammad Ibrahim was appointed Director General Emeritus

In a ceremony held at the CATIE headquarters (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) in Turrialba, Costa Rica, Luis Pocasangre Enamorado took office as the General Director of the Center, succeeding Muhammad Ibrahim, who led the institution for the past eight years.

Pocasangre, appointed by the CATIE Board of Ministers after a rigorous selection process, boasts extensive academic credentials, including a master's degree in Plant Breeding obtained at CATIE in 1992 and a PhD in Phytopathology from the University of Bonn, Germany, in 2000.

He has held prominent roles in international organizations and esteemed universities, leaving a significant imprint on tropical agriculture. From his tenure as a lead scientist at Bioversity International to serving as the Director of Research at Del Monte Fresh Fruit in Brazil, and most recently as the Director of Research at EARTH University for the past 12 years. Additionally, he has collaborated with prominent agricultural research centers worldwide and has mentored young scientists from various corners of the globe.

Pocasangre takes on the General Directorship of CATIE with the commitment to steer the institution towards excellence in agronomic research and education.

"It is an honor to assume the General Directorship of CATIE. I come with great enthusiasm to work towards strengthening research, generating knowledge, and fostering technological innovations that can enhance agri-food systems through the lens of "One Health" and within the framework of sustainable production systems, amidst the undeniable reality of climate change.

Furthermore, I am particularly keen on enhancing the Graduate School, which boasts the most extensive track record in tropical agriculture in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). This institution has been a breeding ground for renowned researchers, university professors, and leaders who have shaped the agricultural and forestry policies of the region," he expressed.

The new General Director emphasized that CATIE is a center of excellence that adeptly integrates education with research and boasts 14 member countries. These nations collaborate on research and development projects aimed at addressing the productivity challenges of the agricultural and forestry sectors in the LAC region.

"As a result, it is crucial to strengthen cooperation alliances with the ministries of agriculture and environment of the member countries, as well as with the IICA, the leading organization in the agricultural sector of LAC, which has been historically linked to the origins of CATIE," he affirmed.

He added that to achieve the transformation of agri-food systems, cooperation with the private sector, the engine of the region's economy, is essential. "Therefore, during my tenure, we will prioritize projects with both public and private investments that yield technological innovations, impacting the economy and the quality of life of the people in LAC," he commented.

His initial term is four years, with the possibility of extending it for another four, anticipating a period of innovation and sustainable development in alignment with CATIE's mission.

The President of the Board of Ministers and Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) of Costa Rica, Víctor Carvajal, wished Pocasangre success. "CATIE has much to offer Costa Rica and the region. In MAG, it finds an ally to work in favor of our productive sector."   

Muhammad Ibrahim, Director General Emeritus

The President of the Board of Directors of CATIE, Gale Miller-Garnett, announced that in recognition of his notable contribution to CATIE over the past eight years, they decided to grant him the title of Director General Emeritus. 

"Dr. Ibrahim, colleague, and friend, I congratulate you for your tireless efforts to strengthen CATIE's external structures, ensuring that our educational programs remain current, facilitating the success of our institute's research, and maintaining our relevance and competitiveness," said the President.

As the outgoing director, Muhammad Ibrahim was recognized by the Board of Ministers. "CATIE has left an indelible mark on Costa Rica and the region. Muhammad, thank you immensely on behalf of the entire Ministers' Council," said Víctor Carvajal.

Manuel Otero, Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), expressed that the path both institutions will embark on in the coming weeks is to further strengthen strategic alliances for the benefit of our people and sustainable development.

About CATIE

CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) is an international hub for innovation and sustainable development. It has been a trailblazer in integrated agriculture and natural resource management in Latin America and the Caribbean. Its focus on education, research, and external engagement has contributed to human welfare and the alleviation of rural poverty in the region.