At the Italian Ambassador’s residence in Bogotá, Ambassador Giancarlo Maria Curcio, Colombia’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Polivio Leandro Rosales Cadena, and Marco Rago, Advisor for Economic Diplomacy and Development at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, formally launched the “Agrocadenas” project. This initiative, titled Public-Private Alliances for Peace Consolidation through Strengthening Agricultural Marketing and Essential Services (ACC), was unveiled during the event Sistema Italia Supporting Colombian Producers for More Competitive and Sustainable Agriculture. The signing ceremony was attended by Marco Riccardo Rusconi, Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), on an official visit to Colombia.
With a budget of approximately €10 million, Agrocadenas aims to drive sustainable growth in Colombia’s agricultural sector through advanced technology transfer, promotion of innovation, and fostering public-private synergies between Italy and Colombia. The project will focus on enhancing the production chains of coffee, cocoa, avocado, and tropical fruits, improving processes related to production, marketing, and distribution with an emphasis on sustainability and rural development.
“Italy, recognized globally for its excellence in the agro-industrial sector and its capacity to integrate cutting-edge technological solutions, is positioned as a strategic partner for Colombia as it seeks to modernize and strengthen agricultural competitiveness,” stated Ambassador Curcio.
“Colombia, like other Latin American nations, is a key partner for Italy. We share values and interests, as well as deep historical, political, social, economic, and cultural ties. The Italian government is fully committed to supporting Colombia’s socio-economic development across various sectors, from traditional to innovative fields, by protecting natural resources and enhancing human capital through research, innovation, and knowledge exchange between our countries,” added Advisor Rago.
Deputy Minister Rosales highlighted that Agrocadenas represents a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation, underscoring both governments’ dedication to fostering peace in vulnerable rural regions through inclusive and sustainable economic opportunities.
“In Colombia, Italian Cooperation is investing approximately €62 million, focusing on revitalizing the country’s economic framework, supporting major production chains to become more efficient and competitive through Italian expertise and technology, and more environmentally responsible to ensure food security,” concluded AICS Director Rusconi.
This ambitious project reaffirms the enduring partnership between Italy and Colombia, united by a common vision of development, innovation, and prosperity. The two countries pledge to continue collaborating to address global challenges, promoting agricultural growth that is sustainable, inclusive, and rooted in shared knowledge and advanced technology exchange.
