Latin America Poised to Lead Global Food Production, Says Ibero-American Secretary General

Latin America possesses the capacity to emerge as the world's foremost food producer, stated Andrés Allamand, Secretary General of the Ibero-American Secretariat (Segib). This potential arises as global powers express a growing interest in the region's agricultural and strategic importance.

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Latin America has the capacity to become the main food producer in the world.

With the global population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, a near doubling of current food production is necessary. Allamand highlighted that major powers, including the United States, China, and the European Union, are keen to play a significant role in Latin America's development. The U.S. has designated the region a "strategic priority," while China's President Xi Jinping has spoken of initiating a "historic era for a community of shared future."

The European Union also aims to elevate its partnership with Latin America, with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressing a desire to become a "preferred partner." India is set to participate as an observer in the upcoming Ibero-American Summit in Madrid, signaling further international engagement.

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the region, where democracy is advancing 'even if with difficulties,' will consolidate itself as a pole of investment.

Allamand emphasized that Latin America is already a crucial "reserve" for critical minerals essential for the digital transformation. Furthermore, the region's status as the most biodiverse on the planet, holding 31% of the world's freshwater resources, solidifies its position as a vital hub for investment and future development, even as democracy advances with challenges.

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the region is already the 'reserve' of critical minerals for digital transformation, in addition to being the most biodiverse region on the planet, with 31% of the world's drinking water.