Data or statistical facts on the situation and perspectives of agri-food systems and the impact of policies
More than 60% of the energy in sugar mills comes from agricultural waste, generating surplus electricity for the grid and strengthening its sustainability (UNICA, 2023).
More than 35 billion liters of bioethanol were produced in 2023, representing nearly 30% of the global market (UNICA, 2023).
165 billion liters of biofuels were produced worldwide in 2022, which projects an annual growth of 5% until 2028 (IEA, 2023).
85% more effective are agricultural extension programs that incorporate digital components for technology transfer in Latin America, being fundamental to materialize innovations and connect research with producers according to CAF evaluations (Velásquez, A., 2025).
22 billion dollars is estimated as the potential annual economic value of traditional agricultural knowledge of Latin America applied to bioeconomy and sustainable development, including domestication techniques, cultivation, and use of native species (Velásquez, A., 2025).
38% of global agrobiodiversity is found in Latin America, a region that has contributed fundamental crops such as corn, potato, cocoa, tomato, avocado, and many others to global food, constituting a strategic asset to face climate change (Velásquez, A., 2025).
300% has grown in the last decade the international trade of native varieties from Latin America such as quinoa, amaranth, maca, avocado, and specialty coffee, reflecting a growing interest in ancestral foods and agricultural biodiversity (Velásquez, A., 2025).
75% of the genetic diversity of traditional Latin American crops has been lost in the last century, evidencing the importance of germplasm banks and in-situ conservation strategies to preserve adaptation options to climate change (Velásquez, A., 2025).
20% increase in added value have experienced traditional Latin American crops adapted to international standards, such as Hass avocado, Geisha coffee, or specific varieties of Andean potato, demonstrating opportunities for bio-businesses (Velásquez, A., 2025).
60% more food must be produced by Latin America by 2050 to contribute to global food security in the context of climate change, growing population, and resource constraints, requiring intensive innovation according to strategic projections (Velásquez, A., 2025).
