A bioeconomy course applied to coffee has been launched

Producers, entrepreneurs and students from Latin America will be able to study an international diploma in bioeconomy applied to coffee, in order to strengthen their knowledge, their competitiveness and productive diversification.

Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA) reported this Tuesday that the course, which will be conducted virtually, will be offered jointly with the Technological University of Pereira, Colombia, and with UNESCO Chairs.

“Those who pass the degree will have the opportunity to penetrate the situation of the coffee chain, analyzing its challenges and opportunities; they will also be able to apply tools for the design and implementation of new biobusinesses and develop skills to influence replication and complementary training of other producers, technicians or entrepreneurs associated with their organization or family business,” IICA explained.

The course is intended for producers, entrepreneurs, family farmers and students connected to the coffee value chain from Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Brazil.

The course is aimed at strengthening knowledge about the possibilities offered by the bioeconomy for the sustainable use of biomass in the coffee value chain and the transformation of biological resources into new bioproducts and bioservices.

“The bioeconomy uses new frontiers of science, technology and knowledge to improve the economic, social and environmental sustainability of coffee farming and other production activities in rural areas of Latin America and the Caribbean,” IICA said.

The course, which consists of 90 hours, will be conducted virtually from August 17 to November 2, 2023 using a self-learning methodology, which encourages autonomy and exchange of knowledge between people, IICA reported.

Those interested can apply online until August 5. In this first edition of the graduate course, participants will be awarded 100% scholarships.

IICA explained that the conditions for participation are the possession of a high school certificate, access to a computer, internet connection, knowledge of the Spanish language and availability of four-hour help on Thursdays every week.

All participants who pass the course with a minimum grade of 70 will receive a diploma certificate issued by the Technological University of Pereira and IICA.