Join the next Virtual Business Roundtable for Agrifood Chains in Latin America and the Caribbean. Dates for 2026 coming soon.

What are Virtual Business Roundtables

This is a space that allows for the creation of commercial links and business networks between MSMEs and family farming companies that are part of the agri-food chains in Latin America and the Caribbean, that aims to introduce them in and/or expand their export markets, thereby strengthening food security and socioeconomic development in the region. In this digital event, exporters, importers, and service companies linked to the agri-food trade can hold meetings dedicated to closing deals.

Additionally, prior to the Virtual Roundtables, a free training space is offered to participants, providing them with tools for adapting their products to market demands, negotiation techniques, use of ICOTERMS and databases, among other topics.

Why are they created

Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is a major player in global agriculture. Between 2021 and 2023, it accounted for 13% of the net value of global agricultural and fisheries production and 18% of total exports. However, intraregional trade is less than 15%, which contributes to the challenges the region faces in terms of food security. Imports provide access to food whose local production is impossible or very expensive due to climatic conditions or insufficient availability of land or technology. They can also supplement local production in the event of temporary shocks such as pests, conflicts, or extreme weather events. Furthermore, the income generated from exports can be used to purchase food, whether locally produced or imported. To support the development of food supply chains and intraregional trade, with a focus on family farming and MSMEs, the Virtual Business Roundtables for Agrifood Chains project was launched in 2020, under the auspices of the FAO Regional Office in partnership with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the Secretariat for Central American Economic Integration (SIECA), and the Executive Secretariat of the Agricultural Council (SE-CAC).

In the first five years, more than 5,000 companies in the region have participated, promoting or acquiring agrifood products. By the end of 2024, the total amount of business proposals exceeded USD 240 million.

Who is it for

Companies in the agri-food sector chain, with a focus on food suppliers and purchasers, with an emphasis on primary products and their derivatives, healthy processed foods, and production and marketing services. The call is especially aimed at participants taking their first steps in international trade.

Support service companies that facilitate production and marketing, as well as companies that provide services related to foreign trade, are also considered.