Delegation of Agroforestry Leaders from Washington Visits CATIE

• The visiting group had the opportunity to observe firsthand various innovative agroforestry practices, sustainable crop and forest management, and germplasm conservation.

The Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE) welcomed a delegation of agroforestry leaders from the state of Washington, United States, in a visit that strengthened cooperation ties in the agroforestry sector.

The visit was led by Jaclyn Hancock from the Washington State Department of Agriculture and Kyle Brooksher, AgForestry Leadership curriculum director. The delegation represented a broad diversity of natural resource sectors from Washington and toured Costa Rica to study public policy decisions affecting natural resources in the country, as well as current social and cultural influences on agroforestry, agriculture, and regional development. Their purpose was to engage in dialogue with industry and community representatives on these topics.

Dr. Mariela Leandro, Coordinator of the Center for Alternative and Regenerative Tropical Agriculture (CATAR), who accompanied them during the visit, commented that, specifically with CATIE, the group's objective was to interact with institutional representatives on matters of mutual interest such as water resource management, policy systems, natural resources, climate-smart agriculture, and inclusive green development.

Additionally, they showed great interest in the work carried out by Dr. Roger Madrigal on water economics and financial mechanisms for the conservation of marine ecosystems. They also sought to meet with CATIE’s Strategic Alliances Office to establish a collaborative network and connect various stakeholders from their state with the institution’s researchers.

The group included specialists in agroforestry, forestry, soils, and organic farming, who had the opportunity to learn about CATIE’s academic and research efforts firsthand.

Dr. Luis Ernesto Pocasangre, CATIE’s director general, described it as "rewarding" to welcome such distinguished individuals and expressed his satisfaction in receiving delegations from the United States, a country that has historically contributed to the institution’s consolidation and remains a key ally in the training of professionals and producers.

As part of the visit, the delegation participated in fieldwork activities, including tours of CATIE’s International Cacao Collection and the coffee agroforestry trial. During these activities, they had the opportunity to observe firsthand various innovative agroforestry practices, sustainable crop and forest management, and germplasm conservation. These learning spaces allowed for the exchange of experiences and knowledge on techniques applicable to the productive realities of Washington State.

The visit of this delegation reaffirms CATIE’s commitment to sharing knowledge and strengthening collaboration with various institutions for the sustainable development of the agroforestry sector at a global level.