The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in collaboration with its International System for Agricultural Science and Technology (AGRIS) and the FAO Representation in Bolivia, recently hosted a virtual event aimed at expanding the participation of Bolivian institutions in sharing technical and scientific information on agricultural and food topics. The presentation sought to improve access to critical data and promote collaboration among regional research-focused organizations.

Mr. Rodrigo Roubach, FAO Representative in Bolivia, welcomed participants by reaffirming FAO’s commitment to sharing knowledge to support research development and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also highlighted FAO Bolivia’s dedication to promoting initiatives that enhance access to essential agricultural and food-related information.

The event focused on introducing Bolivian institutions to AGRIS, a global information system that provides free access to agricultural knowledge and research data. The session underscored how AGRIS can serve as a key resource for advancing agrarian research, enabling knowledge exchange, and encouraging Bolivian institutions to become data providers. Attendees also received updates on AGRIS’s current impact in Bolivia, including the number of records available and active data providers contributing to the platform.

One of the session highlights was AGRIS's progress over the past two years, particularly with increased data contributions from Latin American academic institutions. This growth is expected to significantly boost the visibility of scientific agricultural knowledge from the region, fostering stronger global connections in research and data sharing.

FAO’s ongoing commitment to enhancing access to agricultural information through AGRIS benefits researchers, institutions, and policymakers in Bolivia and beyond, helping address key challenges in food security and sustainable development.