FONTAGRO was created in 1998 with the objective of establishing a sustainable financing mechanism for the development of agricultural technologies in LAC, and a forum to discuss priority issues of technological innovation. Its purpose is to promote increased competitiveness in the agri-food sector, ensure the sustainable management of natural resources, and reduce poverty in the region. It is currently composed of 15 member countries and has two sponsors: the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which also serves as its legal representative, and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), which acts as FONTAGRO’s co-administrator. Its 2025–2030 Medium-Term Plan (MTP) reaffirms its vision to “transform agri-food systems through knowledge, promoting their inclusion and sustainability for the benefit of the environment and society.” Its mission is to “lead the articulation, cooperation, and regional dialogue through the sustainable co-financing of initiatives that generate public goods, strengthen knowledge and innovation in agri-food systems, and contribute to improving the quality of life of society.” Within this framework, FONTAGRO’s actions are guided by essential values that underpin regional cooperation: integrity, solidarity, efficiency, transparency, and respect.
FONTAGRO co-finances initiatives that generate agricultural Regional Public Goods. Co-financing is aimed at creating and/or strengthening regional R&D&I consortia, leveraging resources from other agencies and participating institutions. The consortia promoted by FONTAGRO are themselves a Regional Public Good, as are the knowledge and lessons learned that they produce. To date, FONTAGRO has supported 212 projects and initiatives totaling US$156 million: US$32 million from FONTAGRO, US$21.6 million from other strategic partners, and US$102.4 million in counterpart contributions.
Read more about the 2026 call here.