CATIE Participates in the 82nd Professional Agricultural Workers Conference in the United States

• Presentation highlights: Showcased valuable coffee, cacao, and orthodox seed collections, as well as innovative efforts by the Sustainable Adaptation Fund (FAS), receiving positive feedback and generating numerous inquiries about potential collaborations.

CATIE had a remarkable presence at the 82nd Professional Agricultural Workers Conference (PAWC) held at the Renaissance Hotel in Montgomery, Alabama.

This event brought together 475 participants, including students, professionals, and guests, to address the central theme: “Global Management: Addressing Climate and Sustainability Challenges for Food Security.”

Edgar Mauricio Alvarado Madriz, a specialist from CATIE’s Botanical Garden, actively participated in this forum, which promotes equal access to information and technology for sustainable development.

Invited by prominent academics from the 1890 Land Grant Universities, Alvarado delivered a presentation titled “The Importance of Germplasm Collections at CATIE and Their Role in Food Security.”

His presentation showcased CATIE’s valuable collections of coffee, cacao, and orthodox seeds, along with the innovative work of the Sustainable Adaptation Fund (FAS). The session received positive feedback and sparked multiple inquiries about potential collaborations.

“For me, it was a very enriching experience due to the responsibility of representing CATIE before individuals of high rank and expertise. Additionally, having the opportunity to engage with some of them and spark their interest in collaborating with CATIE made this a highly educational conference,” he stated.

The conference featured 120 presentations—the highest number in its history—covering topics such as sustainability, climate change, agritourism, and food security. CATIE’s participation reaffirmed its commitment to innovation and international cooperation in addressing global challenges in agriculture and sustainability.

Fostering International Collaborations

Beyond his participation in the conference, Alvarado visited Tuskegee University, where he shared experiences with professors and students, promoted internships and exchanges, and presented CATIE’s capabilities and achievements.

The visit emphasized the importance of renewing agreements between CATIE and the 1890 Land Grant Universities to strengthen academic ties and foster exchanges between both institutions.

“At Tuskegee University, I was warmly received and had the honor of speaking with two of the university’s deans, as well as enjoying a pre-Thanksgiving dinner with professors. I hope these agreements materialize, and I would welcome the opportunity to return to the U.S. to visit universities interested in our work,” Alvarado concluded.

CATIE extends its gratitude to the 1890 Land Grant Universities and the academics who supported this valuable experience. Looking ahead, new partnerships and opportunities are expected to strengthen shared goals for sustainable development.