Agricultural research initiatives launched in Argentina and Chile

In Argentina, the Cooperativa de Trabajo Quatrifinio Ltda. is establishing a technical cooperation agreement with the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at the Universidad Nacional del Comahue. The partnership aims to conduct agronomic studies and applied research on industrial hemp production in the Río Negro province. Specifically, experimental plots will be used in the Peñas Blancas area to monitor fiber yield and evaluate how different seed varieties adapt to Patagonian soil, climate, and local irrigation systems.

In Chile, the Laboratory of Palynology and Plant Ecology at the Universidad de Concepción is utilizing melisopalynological analysis to assist beekeepers in the Biobío region. By identifying pollen grains within honey, researchers can determine whether products are monofloral or multifloral and link them to specific local vegetation. This technical assistance, presented at the Api Expo Santa Bárbara 2026, focuses on enhancing the characterization and traceability of honey through scientific validation of its floral origins.