AGROMIRA 2025: Global knowledge, innovation, and action for sustainable agribusiness

• AGROMIRA 2025 set the tone: partnerships, recognition, and commitment to transforming the way we produce our food

From May 6 to 8, the CATIE campus (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) in Turrialba, Costa Rica, became the epicenter of sustainable agribusiness in the region, hosting the first edition of AGROMIRA 2025. The event brought together over 300 participants — both in-person and virtual — from more than 20 countries across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe.

AGROMIRA positioned itself as a platform for professional development, collaboration, and innovation in agribusiness, featuring more than 40 speakers, 28 applied workshops, six thematic discussion panels, a commercial fair with 36 stands, and a high-level academic program focused on sustainability, technology, financing, and markets.

The opening ceremony gathered key figures such as the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of Costa Rica, Víctor Carvajal, who emphasized: “If there is one institution that has driven sustainable agriculture in the region, it is CATIE. AGROMIRA marks a milestone in that journey.” Also in attendance were the Mayor of Turrialba, Carlos Hidalgo, and Sylvanie Jardinet, Cooperation Officer for Costa Rica at the Delegation of the European Union.

The keynote speakers included international leaders:

Jordi AlemanyBusiness Humanizer, kicked off with the talk “Multigenerational Leadership: The magic of blending energy with experience”. He highlighted: “Leadership is the fundamental pillar on which we will build the culture of the organization.”“.

Anabel González, Vice President of the IDB, led the second session with “Markets: Challenges and opportunities for agribusiness”. She noted, “Small producers have opportunities to connect to global value chains, but they must invest in innovation and productivity.”.

Gustavo Manrique Miranda, President of Total Environmental Solutions, opened the second day with his presentation “Debt-for-biodiversity swaps”. He celebrated: “AGROMIRA has been a success because it merges agribusiness with leadership.”.

Andrea Russi, expert from LSQA Uruguay, contributed her expertise on sustainability and climate change : “A fantastic experience. We learn so much by sharing and understanding local challenges.”

Over three days, AGROMIRA 2025 offered hands-on, high-impact workshops both in person and online. One standout was “Transforming the future of your agribusiness with positive impact” led by José Carlos Martínez from Reforestamos México. Reflecting on his experience, José Carlos said: “This event has been incredible. The networking and workshops gave me a whole new vision for the future of agribusiness.”“.

The six discussion panels focused on key topics: academia, associativity, inclusion, commercial partnerships, technology, and financing. Field visits were also conducted to sustainable ventures in the Turrialba region.

A commercial fair with impact

The AGROMIRA trade fair showcased 36 ventures from the agriculture, tourism, and bioeconomy sectors. Companies like Upala Agrícola, Southwest, IGO, BAWO, Avocari, APACOOP, AV Almacenes, Geotecnologías, and ventures supported by the Adapt-ACTIVA initiative presented their products and services.

“Adapt-ACTIVA gives us the chance to get visibility and explore new market niches, especially for rural producers who struggle to access technology. Here, we broke down those barriers,” said Daniel Vega Gutiérrez, owner of Finca Paraíso in La Virgen de Sarapiquí, who participated in the AGROMIRA 2025 fair.

Adriana Escobedo, AGROMIRA coordinator, added: “For entrepreneurs, taking part in this event can be a turning point. It's an opportunity to connect with strategic allies and showcase their products to people from different countries.” países“.

AGROMIRA Awards: Honoring the effort

During this first edition, the AGROMIRA Awards were presented to “Ambassadors of the Year” in categories such as sustainability and innovation — including Bosques y Salud (Costa Rica) and EcoEncounter (Colombia); while in the circular economy category, the award went to Pasos Verdes (Honduras).

Participant experiences

“My favorite session was by Jordi Alemany. One of the best sustainability experiences I’ve had,” shared Ever Rodríguez, participant from Costa Rica.

“The workshop I found most interesting was the one on tools and financing for sustainable agribusiness,” said Flavia Franco, participant from Bolivia.

Commitment to the planet

AGROMIRA 2025 received the Ecological Blue Flag Award in recognition of its environmental best practices, including waste management, carpooling, paper reduction, and the use of reusable materials.

Además, AGROMIRA 2025 reafirmó su compromiso con la sostenibilidad al compensar su huella de carbono mediante la siembra de 200 árboles —135 forestales y 65 frutales— en zonas de recarga hídrica de Turrialba y Jiménez. Esta acción fue posible gracias al apoyo de la UNATUJI (Unión de Asadas de Turrialba y Jiménez) y a la valiosa donación de árboles realizada por la empresa Upala Agrícola.

AGROMIRA2.0

AGROMIRA 2025 ended with a clear message: sustainable agribusiness needs platforms that connect, educate, and mobilize those who want to transform the future of food.

In this regard, Dr. Luis Pocasangre, Director General of CATIE, stated: “It is an honor for CATIE to host the first sustainable agribusiness event in Latin America and the Caribbean. See you at the second edition”.

“AGROMIRA proves the power of joining forces and breaking down silos of individual action. Together, we can drive real change in agriculture,” concluded Adriana Escobedo, event coordinator.

Viva un resumen de lo que fue el segundo día de AGROMIRA 2025 e imagínese ahí en AGROMIRA 2.0.