WFF Argentina Youth Chapter launches AgriTalks Café: First steps towards a youth agrifood innovation lab

The World Food Forum (WFF) Argentina Youth Chapter with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Country Office in Argentina, has launched a series of AgriTalks Café sessions, creating small-group discussion spaces for young leaders in agrifood systems. These meetings form part of the ongoing development of the Youth Agrifood Innovation Lab, which will be officially presented at the  Expoagro 2026.

Expoagro is Argentina’s most important open-air agro-industrial fair and one of the region’s most relevant hubs for innovation, business development and technological exchange. Given its scale and convening power, it provides an ideal space for young people to introduce fresh ideas and new agendas.  The Youth Agrifood Innovation Lab aims to bring together startups, young professionals, researchers, companies and organizations to co-create prototypes, identify opportunities and develop shared pathways for action in agrifood systems.

The first session brought together a diverse group of participants, including scientists, tech entrepreneurs, data specialists, climate leaders, public-sector professionals, the private sector and bio-input experts.

Discussions highlighted several shared challenges across  agrifood systems, such as generational gap in rural continuity, the disconnect between academic training and real-world needs and the difficulties faced by small and medium-sized enterprises, and startups in accessing innovation. Participants also identified opportunities to strengthen cross-sector collaboration, improve communication within and outside the sector and promote practical, problem-oriented solutions.

As a result of the discussions, several initial steps were set in motion, from strengthening the Chapter and mentorship programmes to mapping the innovation ecosystem and producing new content that highlights youth leadership. These efforts, led by the Chapter, will continue through upcoming AgriTalks Cafe sessions, building towards the Youth Agrifood Innovation Lab at Expoagro 2026.