CATIE and ANACAFÉ join forces to boost the coffee industry

• The agreement establishes cooperation in areas such as germplasm preservation, agronomic research, sustainable soil management, and educational enhancement.

The Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE) and the National Coffee Association of Guatemala (ANACAFÉ) have formalized a strategic alliance that promises to transform the landscape of the coffee industry.

The signing of the Cooperation Agreement between both institutions, led by Luis Ernesto Pocasangre, Director General of CATIE, and José Tulio González, President of ANACAFÉ, marks the beginning of a collaboration aimed at strengthening various key aspects in coffee production.

This agreement establishes a framework for cooperation in areas such as germplasm preservation, agronomic research, sustainable soil management, and educational enhancement.

Among the highlights of this collaboration is the exchange of germplasm from CATIE's international coffee collection, as well as the agronomic evaluation of hybrids developed by this institution, such as Centroamericano, Milenio, Esperanza, Casiopea, and Excelencia.

These efforts will contribute to the genetic diversification of coffee and promote research into more resilient and productive varieties.

Additionally, the agreement emphasizes the importance of soil health through the comprehensive approach of One Health, promoting studies on microorganisms associated with the coffee rhizosphere and the biological management of soil pathogens.

This initiative aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of coffee systems, preserving ecosystem health and promoting responsible agricultural practices.

Finally, the agreement includes strengthening education through master's and doctoral programs aimed at ANACAFÉ personnel and young Guatemalans interested in coffee production.

This commitment to training and professional development ensures the continuity of knowledge and innovation in the sector, preparing future generations of coffee industry leaders.