Agrocalidad and FAO partner to combat agricultural pests in Ecuador

Agrocalidad and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have established a cooperation agreement to strengthen phytosanitary prevention and response in Ecuador. The initiative focuses on combating two high-impact pests: Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Race 4 Tropical (Foc R4T) and Xylella fastidiosa.

The FAO will allocate approximately $65,000 to support this roadmap, which includes providing biosecurity kits and conducting training sessions. A recent technical mission already trained over 220 producers and technicians in the provinces of El Oro and Loja through risk assessments, laboratory diagnostics, and specialized assistance.

Key priorities for the partnership include implementing management and control plans directly on farms, developing technical and educational materials regarding agricultural best practices, and consolidating a permanent coordination network between public institutions, international organizations, and agricultural guilds. As part of the long-term agenda, Agrocalidad technicians are scheduled to travel to Colombia in the first quarter of 2027 to exchange knowledge on pest management.