Relevo generacional: el futuro de la horticultura en los jóvenes profesionales encaminados hacia la agricultura digital

The project originated as a response to a series of challenges and concerns in the agricultural sector of Costa Rica, specifically in the northern zone of Cartago. The National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) warned of the accelerated aging of farmers, with an average age of 53.9 years in 2014. Additionally, FAO recommended taking measures to attract young people to agriculture. Lack of access to agricultural information and technology, as well as socioeconomic and land tenure limitations, have contributed to a challenging landscape in Latin America. Only 20% of the sector uses disruptive technology, despite 80% being aware of its existence.

The need to implement precision agriculture and digitization tools is highlighted in research projects in the northern zone of Cartago. Soil erosion, high production costs, and climate change have also weakened the agri-food sector in the region. Young farmers with technical or professional training in agriculture represent hope for revitalizing agriculture in the region. They are a group willing to adopt new technologies and techniques, which could improve resource efficiency and decision-making in family farming

Boareto, an FAO specialist, emphasizes the importance of giving young farmers an active role in decision-making and leveraging their knowledge to overcome resistance to innovation in traditional agricultural techniques. Family farming is crucial as it represents 80% of global agricultural production.

The project aims to train these young farmers in digital and precision agriculture to improve resource management and decision-making.

The project focuses on young horticulturists under the age of 35 with technical or professional training in agriculture and a willingness to adopt technology. The main location is the North Zone of Cartago, which is responsible for 80% of the country's vegetable production. A group of young farmers with advanced technology equipment, such as soil sensors and drones, has been identified and can serve as role models.

The project involves collaboration between different actors, including extensionists with experience in precision agriculture and digital agriculture, institutions that observe and learn from applied techniques, and students who support data acquisition and analysis. The academic sector also plays a fundamental role as students participate in data collection and analysis, and the project can serve as a basis for a new course on digital agriculture

The approach strategy involves identifying problems in agricultural production, including diseases, low yields, and soil problems. Data will be collected using techniques such as topography, multispectral imaging, and physical soil measurements. Subsequently, variables will be analyzed, significant relationships sought, and causal factors determined. With this understanding, specific solutions will be developed and implemented in agricultural production. The focus will be on continuous improvement as more information is acquired.

The project has a technology team that includes drones, sensors, cameras, and laboratory equipment for data collection and analysis. The integration of technology and agricultural knowledge is essential to improve efficiency and sustainability in agriculture in the North Zone of Cartago. The project aims not only to improve current agricultural production but also to train young farmers to be leaders in adopting advanced agricultural technologies.

Impulsar acciones para que el relevo generacional, constituido por jóvenes
profesionales de la agricultura, aplique procesos de digitalización de la orticultura de la Zona Norte de Cartago para la mejora de los rendimientos productivos con un uso sostenible de los recursos.

Información y Tecnologías para la producción