Brazilian agricultural research chief highlights role of regional institute in speeding up innovation

The president of Brazil’s Agricultural Research Corporation, Silvia Massruhá, has highlighted the potential of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture to help rural producers across the Americas gain faster access to innovative agricultural technologies.

Speaking at the inauguration of Guyanese agronomist Muhammad Ibrahim as the new Director General of the Institute, Ms Massruhá said his more than 35 years of experience had given him a strategic understanding of how to transfer research-based technologies to rural communities more efficiently.

Mr Ibrahim was sworn in for the 2026–2030 term during a ceremony attended by senior agriculture officials from more than 30 countries, alongside representatives of international organisations, in San José.

Ms Massruhá said that research institutions often struggle to ensure that new technologies reach farmers quickly, adding that Mr Ibrahim’s background in research and innovation would help address this challenge.

“We frequently develop technologies that need to be rolled out more rapidly, and he has experience that can help us work together to bring innovation to rural areas more effectively,” she said.

She stressed that digital technologies had become essential in responding to the major transitions facing global agriculture, including the shift towards more sustainable production, improved nutrition and greater transparency in food systems. Tools such as blockchain, she said, could improve traceability and trust across agricultural supply chains.

Ms Massruhá also pointed to opportunities arising from the energy transition, particularly for tropical agriculture, through the use of alternative energy sources. She highlighted the increasing impact of extreme weather events, which she said required the development of crop varieties resistant to water stress and improved forecasting and planning.

She emphasised the need to strengthen socio-economic and digital inclusion for small- and medium-scale producers, who often face significant investment constraints.

In this context, she said the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture played a key role in supporting institutions through technology adoption, training and the development of innovative business models for rural associations and cooperatives.

Ms Massruhá said Brazil was ready to strengthen cooperation with the Institute to promote the international sharing of agricultural technologies developed over the past five decades, which she said had helped transform the country into a major food exporter.

She added that she had high expectations for future cooperation with the Institute under the leadership of Mr Ibrahim.

More information:

Institutional Communication Division.

[email protected]

Press release online: https://iica.int/…/president-of-embrapa-highlights…/

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