CATIE and the Regional Government of Junín strengthen their cooperation with new agreements for coffee, cacao, and plantain projects

• Following the formal adhesion announced in August, both institutions advanced with the signing of agreements and a technical visit held from December 3 to 5 to strengthen capacities and develop strategic initiatives in the central jungle of Peru.

CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) received from December 3 to 5 a delegation from the Regional Government of Junín, Peru, led by Governor Zósimo Cárdenas Muje and the Manager of Productive Development, Miguel Ángel Rivera, along with representatives of producer federations and organizations from the central jungle. The mission aimed to deepen the technical cooperation initiated months earlier and advance strategic projects in coffee, cacao, and plantain.

During the visit, the delegation participated in a technical program that included tours of the International Coffee and Cacao Collections, the biotechnology laboratory, modules for the propagation of coffee hybrids, sustainable plantain trials, agroforestry trials, and CATIE’s sustainable livestock farm.

These spaces allowed them to learn about advances developed by the institution in genetic improvement, agroforestry systems, sustainable production, pesticide reduction, landscape restoration, and business strengthening.

The visiting team also held thematic sessions with specialists from various CATIE research units, who presented opportunities for collaboration in applied research, extension models, payments for ecosystem services, regenerative agriculture, and value chain development. The delegation expressed particular interest in replicating these learnings in Peru’s central jungle, with emphasis on climate resilience and productivity improvement.

Agreement signing and future commitments

On December 5, the official agreement signing ceremony was held at CATIE’s Orton Memorial Library, with the participation of Governor Zósimo Cárdenas Muje and CATIE’s Director General, Dr. Luis Pocasangre. This event formalized the signing of agreements for the preparation of technical dossiers and the development of strategic projects in coffee, cacao, and plantain.

During the ceremony, Dr. Pocasangre emphasized that this alliance will “strengthen productive capacities and open opportunities for innovation for thousands of families in the central jungle.” For his part, the Governor reaffirmed his region’s interest in advancing toward more efficient and sustainable agro-productive systems.

The Dean of CATIE’s Graduate School, Dr. Alfredo Zamarripa, also announced academic opportunities and scholarships for young people and professionals from Junín, with the aim of supporting the training of specialized talent.

The meeting was marked by a profound sense of gratitude and recognition between both institutions for the process developed and the willingness to work together. On behalf of CATIE, Dr. Pocasangre presented acknowledgments to the Governor, Manager Rivera, and Carlos Román, a CATIE graduate and distinguished member of the delegation.

From the Regional Government of Junín, there were also emotional expressions of appreciation, including representative gifts from the region and the placing of traditional attire on Dr. Pocasangre and Dr. Laura Benegas, Director of Inclusive Green Development and Research at CATIE, as a symbol of respect and solidarity between both parties.

A strategic alliance for the region

As part of the ongoing cooperation, three elite coffee hybrids developed by CATIE —Centroamericano, Milenio, and Esperanza— are currently in the process of entry, which will be validated with producer organizations in Junín, along with new genetic materials of cacao and plantain.

The visit concluded with a meeting to define next steps, including the preparation of technical dossiers, the implementation of productive pilots, and the strengthening of regional capacities in research, innovation, and sustainable territorial management.

This cooperation reaffirms the joint commitment of CATIE and the Regional Government of Junín to promoting productive and environmental development in Peru’s central jungle through science, technology, and talent development.