FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean

The transformation of agri-food systems requires solutions that enable greater and better production, while efficiently using natural resources and reducing environmental impact.

FAO promotes the adoption of practices and innovations that strengthen agricultural productivity, resilience, and sustainability by advancing technologies, knowledge, and integrated approaches that contribute to more efficient, inclusive, and resilient agri-food systems.

Key Messages
1. Agroecology

Agroecology applies ecological concepts and principles to the design and management of sustainable agrifood systems. It integrates scientific, local and traditional knowledge to strengthen interactions among system components, promote biodiversity and advance more resilient and diversified systems that contribute to food security and rural livelihoods. Learn more

2. Farmer Field Schools (FFS)

Farmer Field Schools are practical and participatory learning spaces where farmers experiment, observe and develop solutions adapted to their local context. They strengthen decision-making, foster local innovation and support the transition towards more sustainable agriculture.

Learn more here

3. Regenerative Agriculture

Regenerative agriculture is a holistic and inclusive approach to agroecosystem management that aims to conserve and restore land, soils and biodiversity while strengthening ecosystem services in agricultural systems. This approach promotes soil health regeneration, improves hydrological processes and conserves biodiversity at different levels, while encouraging a more efficient use of inputs and natural resources. 

4. Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is based on the careful consideration of all available pest control techniques and the integration of appropriate measures to reduce pest populations. IPM combines biological, chemical, physical and cultural management practices to produce healthy crops while minimizing pesticide use and reducing risks to human health and the environment.

5. Agricultural Plastics

Plastics play an increasingly important role in agriculture by contributing to more efficient and stable production and creating new market opportunities for producers. However, it is essential to reduce their use, promote reuse and ensure environmentally sound management to prevent pollution, protect natural resources and advance more sustainable and circular agrifood systems. 

6. Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)

The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) programme recognizes unique agricultural systems that conserve biodiversity, preserve traditional knowledge and cultural landscapes, and sustain rural livelihoods. These systems demonstrate that food can be produced sustainably while safeguarding both natural and cultural heritage. To date, 11 GIAHS sites have been designated in five countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, with two additional proposals currently under evaluation.

More information here  

7. Efficient Water Use

In Latin America and the Caribbean, approximately 70 percent of all water withdrawals are used for agriculture. Improving water-use efficiency is therefore essential to ensure the sustainability of ecosystems and support the region's economic development. 

8. Bio-Inputs

Bioinputs are products of biological origin (plant, animal, or microbial) that, when applied to crops or soil, can help improve the productivity, quality, and health of agricultural systems. They offer an alternative for enhancing soil fertility and health, stimulating crop growth, and promoting the sustainable management of pests and diseases, thereby reducing dependence on synthetic inputs.

9. Biofertilizers

Biofertilizers are a type of bio-input that uses beneficial microorganisms to increase the availability of nutrients and promote their absorption by plants. Their application helps improve soil health, enhance crop nutrition, and reduce dependence on synthetic fertilizers, thereby promoting more sustainable agricultural systems.

10. Responsible Use of Pesticides and the Rotterdam Convention

The responsible use of pesticides requires proper management throughout their entire life cycle, based on three pillars: prevention, regulation and trade, and strengthening national capacities. The Rotterdam Convention promotes international cooperation and the exchange of information for the responsible trade of pesticides and hazardous chemicals, helping to protect human health and the environment.

More information here

Key Resources
Farmer Field School Guidance Document
2025

This FFS Guidance Document focuses on the process and critical decisions that are necessary when starting a new FFS programme, and guides the reader...

A Provisional Voluntary Code of Conduct on the Sustainable Use and Management of Plastics in Agriculture
2025

In response to the recommendations of the 28th Session of the Committee on Agriculture (COAG 28), subsequently endorsed by the 171st Session of the...

Transformative and Inclusive Approaches Based on Innovative Actions to Address Water Scarcity and Drought in Latin America and the Caribbean (Spanish only)
2025

El proyecto regional de la FAO “Reducción del impacto de sequías y escasez de agua en medios de vida y seguridad alimentaria” tuvo como objetivo identificar...

Twenty years of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems
2023

Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) are agroecosystems inhabited by communities that live in an intricate relationship with their...

The 10 elements of agroecology
2018

Today’s food and agricultural systems have succeeded in supplying large volumes of food to global markets. However, high-external input, resource-intensive...

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Contact

Ana Posas Guevara

FAO Agriculture Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean

Martina Salvo de Oliveira

Communications Specialist

Javiera Suárez

Monitoring Specialist, Better Production