JKI: Visit to JKI — German-Colombian Demonstration and Training Project on Agroecology

Visit to JKI — German-Colombian Demonstration and Training Project on Agroecology

„Proyecto Agroecológico Colombo-Alemán“ (PACA)

The Colombian delegation during their visit to JKI in Dossenheim. © Corinna Harms

On 6 and 7 July, a delegation around two representatives of the Colombian Ministry of Agriculture together with JKI’s agricultural research partner AGROSAVIA visited the specialist institutes of JKI in Berlin and Dossenheim as part of the German-Colombian Demonstration and Training Project on Agroecology „Proyecto Agroecológico Colombo-Alemán“ (PACA),.

Since 2024, JKI works closely with AGROSAVIA and other partners in the framework of PACA, coordinating the characterization of agroecological transitions and supporting participatory research projects related to soil health.

The exchange provided fascinating insights into research for sustainable agriculture and demonstrated how scientific innovations support organic farming, while also highlighting that different regulatory frameworks, for example regarding bioinputs and biostimulants, require stronger bilateral dialogue in the future.

Welcome of the delegation at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH) in Berlin. © BMLEH

Introductory presentation by JKI partner AGROSAVIA within the PACA project. © Corinna Harms

After the delegation was warmly welcomed at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH), the following visit of the JKI Institute for Ecological Chemistry, Plant Analysis and Stored Product Protection in Berlin-Dahlem focused on chemical ecology, soil biodiversity, plant compounds and the protection of stored products. During laboratory tours, current research activities were presented and opportunities for future cooperation were discussed.

Dr Karin Gorzolka presents research activities of the working groups “Analysis and Diversity of Plant Substances” and “Ecological Chemistry”. © Virna Morán

Group photo at the JKI Institute for Ecological Chemistry, Plant Analysis and Stored Product Protection in Berlin-Dahlem. © Corinna Harms

Dr Benjamin Fürstenau provides insights into the research activities of the Stored Product Protection working group, including the breeding weekly schedule. © Corinna Harms

At the JKI Institute for Biological Control in Dossenheim, the delegation gained insights into state-of-the-art approaches in biological plant protection – ranging from microbial methods and nanopore sequencing in diagnostics to AI-supported hover fly monitoring and field trials with baculoviruses for the control of the codling moth. Especially, the tour through labs and fields was of high interest and led to fruitful discussions.

The one-week delegation programme also included further interesting insights into the German agricultural landscape and agricultural sciences and was accompanied by JKI scientist Dr Virna Morán.

The visit impressively demonstrated the importance of scientific exchange for the mutual development of expertise and highlighted the relevance of bilateral coordination on bioinputs and biostimulants in the context of agroecology and the advancement of sustainable plant protection strategies. AGROSAVIA proved to be a relevant partner of the JKI.

Many thanks for the contributions from:

Ministerio de Agricultura y Desarrollo Rural
Bundesministerium für Landwirtschaft, Ernährung und Heimat
AGROSAVIA - Corporación colombiana de investigación agropecuaria
GOPA AFC
GFA Consulting Group GmbH
Unidad de Restitución de Tierras

Dr Fang Shiang Lim explains nanopore sequencing in diagnostics. © Corinna Harms

Johannes Uhler presents hover fly monitoring and AI traps. © Corinna Harms

The microplot facility enables scientific experiments under controlled field conditions. © Corinna Harms

The rain facility at the JKI Institute for Biological Control in Dossenheim. © Corinna Harms

Veröffentlicht am 08.07.2026 von Corinna Harms und Dr. Virna Morán

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