The second week of the LAC e-consultation is dedicated to discuss some specific regional issues. These topics are included in the guideline documents “GCARD Regional Review for Latin America and the Caribbean – Background Document” and “GCARD Regional Review for Latin America and the Caribbean – Key Issues” wich are available here.
The “Key Issues” document seeks to highlight some of the most frequently discussed issues when analyzing the relationship between agricultural research and development impact, so it is particularly functional to the task that brings us together in this 2nd week of our consultation. At the end of this message you will find a list of the issues highlighted in this document.
Participants are invited to share and tell their views on these issues, using as a guide, the following questions:
- In your opinion the subjects addressed in the “Key Issues” document, fairly express, the priorities from agricultural research to generate real development impact in our region? Must be other priorities?
- Considering the above, Which would be, in your opinion, the knowledge areas that should be emphasized to achieve the objectives?
- What kind of institutional changes, are needed to enhance the impact of research on development with social inclusion?
- Among the priorities outlined, Can you identify some priorities for research-transfer-innovation with the potential to make a significant impact in terms of development of lower-income farmers in your region?
Listing of Key Issues considered in the document “ GCARD Regional Review for Latin America and the Caribbean – Key Issues”
1. Increase of production and productivity
Relatively untapped plant and animal species must be more intensively developed and value added to production
The agriculture frontier must be expanded into areas that are currently marginal
2. Diversification and differentiation of agriculture products and services
Promotion of diversification of commodities (niches of commodities)
Promotion of new species and new varieties (new products to the markets)
Development and incorporate seals of quality (social sustainability)
3. Increase of food safety and quality
Incorporation of standards of quality, traceability and post harvest technologies to add value to the product
Development and incorporation of good practices towards food safety standards
4. Facing the challenges of the climate change
Promotion of studies to better understand climate change and its impact on agriculture and the rural
Development of adaptative technologies (resistant varieties)
Development of mitigation techniques
5. Conservation and sustainable use of natural resources
Fostering the agroecological perspective on the agricultural production
Optimizing the use of soils and water
Promoting the sustainable use of the biodiversity (conservation and sound use of genetic resources)
6. Development of Agro-energy
Development of new sources of production of energy
Development of technologies to use ligno-cellulosic materials as a source of energy
Development of impact studies on the food production
