CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) takes a crucial step towards food self-sufficiency and sustainability with the launch of the Sustainable Academic Farm (FAS). The project, located at the main headquarters in Turrialba, Costa Rica, addresses the need to provide healthy and high-quality food to the CATIE community.<\/p>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/fincas-agricolas-sostenibles2.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>The FAS, covering approximately 3 hectares, will be dedicated to agricultural production following organic and regenerative methods, supplying both the Institutional Cafeteria and the International Club.<\/p>
According to Luis Pocasangre, CATIE\u2019s General Director, this approach not only aims to improve the quality of the produced food but also to promote crop biodiversity and eliminate the use of agrochemicals and pesticides. \u201cWe want to ensure that the food we consume is healthy and produced sustainably,\u201d he emphasized.<\/p>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/fincas-agricolas-sostenibles3.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>In addition to its productive function, the FAS will be a research center where the effectiveness of bio-inputs for pest and disease management in tropical crops will be evaluated. This research component is crucial for developing more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.<\/p>
The farm will also serve as an academic space for CATIE master\u2019s students and international interns. These students will have the opportunity to get directly involved in sustainable production, gaining practical experience and valuable knowledge. \u201cWe want our students and interns to have a comprehensive experience that combines theory and practice in a real environment,\u201d explained Pocasangre.<\/p>
Project Details and Production Areas<\/strong><\/p> The General Director detailed that two months have already been spent on implementing various productive areas. The farm will have laying hens, goats for milk and cheese production, as well as sheep to complete the livestock section. Additionally, forage banks such as Tithonia and Cuba 2 grass have been planted to feed the animals.<\/p> The farm will also include a section dedicated to musaceae, with at least 10 different types of bananas and plantains. In 100 m\u00b2 plots, more than 20 food species will be cultivated, including cassava, sweet potato, taro, tiquisque, cucurbits, corn, beans, chili, and tomato.<\/p> To facilitate visitor access to the farm, improvements such as the construction of a culvert and a bridge have been made. Additionally, a central composting area will be installed to produce the organic fertilizers needed for crop fertilization.<\/p> Agrotourism and Community<\/strong><\/p> Another important objective of the FAS is to promote agrotourism on the CATIE campus. By opening its doors to visitors interested in sustainable agriculture, the farm will not only educate the public about responsible agricultural practices but also strengthen ties with the local and global community. \u201cAgrotourism is an excellent way to share our knowledge and promote greater awareness of the importance of sustainability,\u201d commented Pocasangre.<\/p> Finally, Pocasangre called on the entire CATIE community to support the implementation of this institutional policy. \u201cThis project is a collective effort, and we need everyone\u2019s commitment and collaboration to make it a success,\u201d he concluded.<\/p> With the FAS, CATIE not only aims to meet its internal food needs but also to become a model of sustainability and education for the region.<\/p> More information:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n Luis Pocasangre <\/p>\n\n <\/p><\/div>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/fincas-agricolas-sostenibles4.jpg\")
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General Director
CATIE
luis.pocasangre@catie.ac.cr<\/a><\/p>\n\n