The main agricultural, biotechnological, and post-harvest strategies for reducing cadmium (Cd) concentrations in the cultivation and processing of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.), one of Latin America's most representative products, are reviewed. The study, focusing on Ecuador and other countries that produce fine aroma cocoa, evaluates techniques such as microbial bioremediation, phytoremediation with hyperaccumulator plants, the use of organic amendments and biochar, as well as post-harvest practices such as mucilage drainage and prolonged fermentation. The results highlight the effectiveness of combining biological and technological solutions to reduce cadmium bioavailability, improve bean quality, and comply with international food safety standards, contributing to more sustainable and competitive cocoa production.

The study analyzes advances and trends in the use of artisanal biopreparations in Latin American agriculture, made with natural ingredients and native microorganisms as an alternative to conventional agrochemicals. Through a bibliometric analysis, it identifies the leading countries in research (Brazil, Cuba, Colombia, and Mexico), the main types of biopreparations, such as Bokashi, and the crops where they are applied. The study highlights the need to strengthen applied research, knowledge dissemination, and collaboration between scientists and farmers to expand the adoption of sustainable agroecological practices.

The article analyzes how Colombia is leveraging its microbial biodiversity to develop biofertilizers, examining scientific advances, market trends, and regulatory challenges facing the country in its efforts to promote more sustainable and competitive agriculture.

A non-reimbursable technical cooperation aimed at improving agricultural profitability and environmental sustainability in the Peruvian Amazon through a PhyGital (physical and digital) platform that combines AI-based personalized agronomic advisory with traceable distribution of agricultural inputs for small cacao producers in the provinces of Juanjui and Tocache (San Martín). The initiative integrates blockchain-based digital identity, a decentralized network of local entrepreneurs called "Inges Agrayu" with a gender focus, and satellite deforestation monitoring, targeting a 19% productivity increase and a 17% reduction in the local deforestation rate. It was selected through the Amazonía BioBuilders call (RG-O1711) and is framed within the IDB Group's Amazonía Siempre Program, with a projected scale-up to over 20,000 producer families across the Amazon region.

This initiative is a Technical Cooperation (PE-T1615) aimed at repositioning Peru’s main public agricultural services to promote sustainable agricultural development. It will foster partnerships with the private sector and with regional and municipal authorities, and strengthen institutional coordination through public-private collaboration mechanisms and engagement with subnational governments, reinforcing cooperative models. The TC will finance consultancies and multi-stakeholder technical dialogue spaces organized into two components: technical support for repositioning agricultural services (including studies and designs of monitoring instruments, territorial approaches, and digital technologies for strategic resources such as seeds) and the development of institutional coordination mechanisms and capacity building (leadership, negotiation, and communication). It complements IDB operations in Peru’s agricultural sector, particularly PE-L1270 (innovation and extension services) and PE-L1280 (food safety), and seeks to strengthen MIDAGRI’s steering role alongside INIA and SENASA. The IDB will execute the TC, and monitoring will track planned vs. executed procurements and delivered outputs, with annual reporting through the TCM system.

The PlanBio Pará is the implementation instrument of the State Bioeconomy Strategy, aimed at promoting a sustainable, low-emission development model based on Amazonian biodiversity, innovation, and traditional knowledge. It fosters sustainable value chains, social inclusion, and the valorization of conserved forests through the sustainable use of Amazonian biodiversity. Coordinated by the State Secretariat for Environment and Sustainability (SEMAS), it is designed as a long-term policy to consolidate an inclusive and resilient bioeconomy in the State of Pará.

The resolution adopts the MADR's Public Policy Guidelines for Bio-inputs, Organic Fertilizers, and Soil Conditioners, aimed at promoting the production and use of these inputs within the framework of the agroecological transition and low-carbon rural development. The guidelines are structured around four pillars: strengthening biofactories with quality and safety standards, developing skills and capacities in the sector, promoting Small-Scale, Family, and Community Agriculture (SSCCA) as the main driver of the transition, and strengthening incentive schemes for financing the sector.

Position (EU) No 6/2026 of the Council, adopted at first reading on 21 April 2026, sets out the Council position with a view to the adoption of a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on plants obtained by certain new genomic techniques and their products, and amending Regulation (EU) 2017/625. The text aims to establish a legal framework for plants obtained by new genomic techniques, their products, and related official controls. The initiative responds to developments in biotechnology since the adoption of Directive 2001/18/EC on genetically modified organisms and addresses the regulation of techniques such as genome editing applied to plants.

The resolution establishes the Colombian regulatory framework for the production, import, export and commercialization of seeds obtained through conventional and non-conventional genetic improvement, defining certification categories, minimum quality requirements and registration procedures before the ICA for producers, importers, exporters and commercializers. It further regulates the National Register of Commercial Cultivars, the operating conditions of agronomic evaluation and phytoimprovement research units, and labeling standards applicable to a wide range of agricultural, forage, horticultural, fruit and forestry species. It includes provisions on farmer privilege, official oversight and the sanctioning regime for non-compliance.