Across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), demand for safer crop protection is growing. The CABI BioProtection Portal (BPP), the world’s largest free resource for biological plant protection, and Guarany are responding together. Through joint farmer training, shared knowledge resources, and strategic engagement with governments, they are increasing awareness and adoption of bioprotection across the region.
Why bioprotection in Latin America matters
The over-reliance on chemical pesticides poses risks to human health, biodiversity, and the environment. As a result, farmers, advisors, and policymakers are actively seeking less harmful alternatives.
The CABI BioProtection Portal addresses this need by providing validated, country-specific information on registered bioprotection products across more than 50 countries. Guarany, a Brazilian company specialising in sustainable application technology, shares this commitment to safer pest management. Together, their complementary strengths create a foundation for expanding bioprotection use in LAC.
A partnership built on shared values
Guarany is a sponsor of the CABI BioProtection Portal and a longstanding collaborator in CABI’s work across the region. This reflects their alignment around Integrated Pest Management (IPM), responsible pesticide use, and the promotion of biological control as a first-line solution for farmers.
As Alida Bellandi of Guarany explains: “Collaborating with CABI in various Latin American countries over the years has been a valuable experience. By sharing common ideals and principles, we came to understand the importance of joining efforts to multiply the knowledge acquired over the years.”
How CABI and Guarany are working together
CABI and Guarany collaborate through two main activity streams.
Firstly, by engaging farmers and advisors on sustainable crop protection approaches. Joint training events, including regional Training of Trainers sessions, have brought together participants from across LAC. Farmers, plant doctors, agro-input dealers, and national technicians have gained practical skills in bioprotection and sustainable application techniques.
Secondly, through government engagement. Alongside farmer-level activities, CABI and Guarany have taken part in strategic meetings with agricultural ministries and government bodies across LAC. These engagements support the development of the bioprotection sector, including clearer registration pathways for biological products and national IPM strategies that reduce reliance on chemical inputs.
The role of the CABI BioProtection Portal
The Portal ensures that reliable, actionable information on bioprotection products is accessible to everyone. Farmers and advisors participating in the joint training event or other collaborative activities are introduced to the Portal as a trusted source of information on what registered biopesticide products exist for their crop or pest. The Portal also supports the work CABI and Guarany do on improving regulation in the bioprotection sector, by providing a platform for government officials to map and better understand the biopesticide landscape in their country.
“This collaboration shows how public–private partnerships can speed up the adoption of safer, more effective, and environmentally responsible farming practices,” said Dr. Yelitza Colmenarez, CABI’s Regional Coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Supporting bioprotection in Latin America and beyond
The CABI BioProtection Portal and Guarany share a commitment to making sustainable agriculture more accessible across the region. By combining the Portal’s data and educational resources with Guarany’s technical expertise and by working at both farmer and policy levels, this partnership is actively helping bioprotection in Latin America become the default approach rather than the exception.
