CATIE and the Korean delegation sign cooperation agreement in coffee cultivation

• The high-level Korean delegation expressed their astonishment at the diversity of coffee and cocoa collections at CATIE and acknowledged its international significance in the agricultural field

Representatives from the Jeollanamdo Agricultural Research and Extension Services (JARES) of the Republic of Korea formalized the signing of an important cooperation agreement with CATIE to strengthen scientific and technological collaboration in coffee cultivation.

The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding represents a significant milestone in the relationship between both institutions.

Based on the principles of equality, reciprocity, and mutual benefit, the agreement aims to promote the exchange of coffee genetic resources, the development of joint research projects, collaborative training programs, the exchange of coffee cultivation technologies, and the implementation of joint projects including personnel exchange, meetings, workshops, and seminars.

Additionally, it was agreed to create a future agreement that will allow CATIE to send coffee seed varieties to Korea, supporting with experts from both CATIE and the Costa Rican Coffee Institute (ICAFE) to carry out planting, evaluation, and monitoring in the Asian country.

CATIE's General Director, Luis Pocasangre, emphasized that CATIE's research and education agenda has continental importance, and this visit from Korea is concrete proof of its academic and scientific relevance.

This collaboration will be supported by in-person visits and virtual meetings to ensure effective monitoring of project progress.

This agreement reflects the commitment of both parties to promote innovation and development in the coffee sector, as well as the exchange of knowledge and resources for the mutual benefit of both nations.

From the Korean delegation participated:

Park Hon-Gjae: General Director of the Jeollanam-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services.
Ko Sug-Ju: Director of the Ecological Agricultural Research Institute.
Park Hyeon-Seok: Researcher at the Tea Industry Research Institute.

From CATIE participated:

Luis Pocasangre, General Director.
Laura Benegas, Director of the Division of Research in Green and Inclusive Development.
Rolando Cerda, Coordinator of the Agroforestry and Coffee and Cocoa Genetic Improvement Unit.