Ecuadorian agricultural development initiatives

Ecuador is implementing various initiatives to strengthen its agricultural sector through youth engagement and technical training.

The Agrojoven program, supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, focuses on revitalizing the sector by creating formal employment for rural youth to counter an aging farming population. In 2026, the program enrolled 1,800 new participants, following a previous cohort of 1,345. Recent efforts included a business matchmaking event in Quito where young entrepreneurs presented products such as specialty coffee, honey, and chocolate to various companies, with government officials pledging support for credit financing and market access.

Complementary technical training programs are also targeting small and medium-sized producers to improve sustainability and productivity. In Cotopaxi, the PROFOSPE project graduated 186 producers from a five-month program covering regenerative livestock farming and environmental responsibility. Meanwhile, in Manabí, collaborative field days provided 128 producers with expertise in soil analysis, pollinator roles, and deforestation-free production.