Deadline: 30-Mar-2026
FONTAGRO invites proposals for its 2026 Call to support cooperative, innovative projects that enhance productivity, profitability, and competitiveness in Latin American and Caribbean agri-food systems. Total funding of US$1,250,000 is available, with up to US$250,000 per project, prioritizing collaborations between producers, public research institutions, and technology actors.
What is the FONTAGRO 2026 Call?
The 2026 Call from FONTAGRO aims to foster cooperation and innovation to transform agri-food systems in Latin America and the Caribbean. It supports projects that generate scalable technologies and innovations, demonstrate tangible impacts, consolidate sustainable and competitive production models, and contribute to long-term regional transformation. Projects are encouraged to connect producers with science and technology actors and strengthen public–public or public–private entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants are R&D&I consortia consisting of up to three co-executing organizations from at least two FONTAGRO member countries. One organization must act as the technical leader, and at least one must be a public research institution. Associated organizations from any IDB member country can participate if funded by other sources, and organizations from non-IDB member countries may join with their own funding, pending Board approval. Each consortium must include producer organizations as direct beneficiaries of the project to ensure validation and adoption of results.
Focus Areas and Priorities
The 2026 Call prioritizes projects that:
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Generate technologies and innovations with high potential for adoption and scaling.
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Demonstrate concrete, measurable impacts on the ground.
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Consolidate more efficient, sustainable, and competitive production models at national and regional levels.
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Promote pathways for long-term transformation of agri-food systems in the region.
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Foster connections between producers and science, technology, or entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Consortia spanning multiple LAC subregions or including IDB member countries outside the region will receive positive consideration.
Funding Details
Total funding available: US$1,250,000, provided by FONTAGRO.
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Up to five projects may receive co-financing of a maximum of US$250,000 each.
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If no competitive proposals are submitted for a Flagship Program, the Board may reallocate funds to other competitive projects.
Project and Consortium Requirements
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Consortium members must have complementary, multi- and interdisciplinary expertise.
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A multidimensional approach is required, encompassing scientific, agronomic, social, economic, technological, environmental, and value-added aspects aligned with the proposed innovation.
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Technical activities must be implemented in at least two member countries.
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Direct involvement of producer organizations ensures validation and adoption of project outcomes.
How the Program Works
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Form an eligible R&D&I consortium with the required member organizations.
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Design a project aligned with FONTAGRO priorities, emphasizing innovation, adoption potential, and measurable impacts.
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Submit a proposal including a clear multidimensional approach, cross-country implementation plan, and involvement of producer organizations.
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IICA administers all projects and transfers in-kind allocations to co-executing organizations for implementation.
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Successful projects implement technical activities, monitor progress, and generate outputs that enhance agri-food system competitiveness.
Why It Matters
This initiative strengthens regional collaboration, promotes sustainable and competitive production models, and drives practical impacts in agri-food systems across Latin America and the Caribbean. By connecting producers with research institutions and fostering innovation, the program contributes to long-term economic, social, and environmental resilience in the region.
Tips for a Strong Proposal
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Ensure consortium members bring complementary and interdisciplinary expertise.
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Include producer organizations as direct project beneficiaries.
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Demonstrate clear pathways for adoption and scaling of innovations.
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Align project objectives with measurable impacts and sustainability goals.
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Highlight cross-country implementation and potential regional collaboration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Proposals without producer organization involvement.
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Consortiums that do not span at least two FONTAGRO member countries.
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Lack of interdisciplinary or multidimensional approaches.
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Submitting projects without clear adoption, scaling, or measurable impact strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Who can form a consortium? Up to three organizations from at least two FONTAGRO member countries, including one public research institution.
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Can non-IDB member organizations participate? Yes, with their own funding and Board approval.
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How much funding is available per project? Up to US$250,000 per project.
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Are producer organizations required? Yes, as direct beneficiaries to ensure validation and adoption.
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What types of projects are prioritized? Those generating scalable innovations, demonstrating impact, and fostering sustainable, competitive production models.
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Where must activities be implemented? In at least two member countries, preferably across different LAC subregions.
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Who administers the projects? The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) manages project administration and in-kind allocations.
Conclusion
The FONTAGRO 2026 Call offers a strategic opportunity for R&D&I consortia to foster innovation, strengthen producer-science collaboration, and drive sustainable competitiveness in Latin America and the Caribbean’s agri-food systems. By prioritizing measurable impact, cross-country collaboration, and adoption-ready solutions, the initiative promotes long-term regional transformation.
For more information, visit FONTAGRO.
