Digital agriculture is advancing in Latin America, expanding the role of distributors and importers in connecting technology, data, management, and agricultural solutions.

Digital agriculture advances across Latin America and reshapes the distributor’s role

Digital agriculture is no longer only a promise for the future; it is becoming part of real decisions across Latin American farming. From September 7 to 10, 2026, Costa Rica will host the fifth Digital Agriculture Week, organized by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), bringing together startups, companies, investors, research centers and public institutions.

This year’s edition received nearly 300 applications from 23 countries, the highest number since the initiative began in 2022. Fifteen agtechs from 13 countries were selected, reflecting the diversity of solutions being developed for productivity, sustainability, risk management, technical assistance and market access.

Smart farming is already moving into practical applications

In July 2026, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) presented regional experiences during its first Global Conference on Smart Farming. The examples show that digital transformation is already being applied to specific challenges.

  • In Peru: an aquaculture intelligence system uses sensors, data analytics and artificial intelligence to monitor water quality and generate early warnings.
  • In Bolivia: field sensors, satellite imagery and artificial intelligence support irrigation and crop-management decisions based on real-time conditions.

These initiatives do not suggest that a single technology can solve every agricultural challenge. They show how better data, combined with training and local knowledge, can support better-informed decisions.

Distributors are connecting products, data and knowledge

As growers adopt digital tools, expectations for the distribution channel also evolve. The sale of an agricultural input increasingly comes with questions about positioning, compatibility with management programs, application timing and follow-up.

In this environment, importers, technical retailers and distributors can strengthen their market role by integrating:

  • Solutions adapted to local crops and conditions;
  • Agronomic guidance and technical assistance;
  • Monitoring and data-recording tools;
  • Training for commercial and field teams;
  • Regulatory, logistical and commercial evaluation of new technologies.

Digital agriculture is also changing portfolio strategies

Digitalization can make differences between fields, crops and production stages more visible. This supports portfolios that are less generic and more closely connected to identified field needs. Specialty liquid fertilizers, biostimulants, adjuvants and foliar or soil-applied solutions can form part of integrated strategies when supported by appropriate technical recommendations.

Solo Rico Agrociências is a Brazilian company with more than 30 years of experience developing specialty liquid fertilizers, agricultural solutions and technologies focused on field efficiency. Its portfolio includes alternatives such as:

  • Top Lime;
  • Revolution;
  • Bio Algavity;
  • Titanium Completo;
  • Super Fish Potássio.

These products do not replace diagnosis, monitoring or agronomic recommendations. They can, however, be evaluated as components of management programs and as alternatives for distributors seeking to expand their portfolios with Brazilian agricultural technology.

Conclusion

The progress of agtechs in 2026 confirms that Latin American agriculture is building a more connected ecosystem. The value lies not only in the amount of data generated, but in the ability to turn information into practical decisions supported by technical expertise and solutions suited to each market.

For importers and distributors, this evolution is an opportunity to increase their relevance to growers. Companies that combine technology, knowledge and specialized portfolios will be better prepared to respond to changing field demands.

Talk to Solo Rico

Does your company import or distribute agricultural inputs? Explore Solo Rico’s Brazilian agricultural solutions and speak with our team about alternatives that can complement your portfolio and support management strategies in your market.

FAQ — Frequently asked questions

What is digital agriculture?

Digital agriculture is the integrated use of data, sensors, imagery, management systems, connectivity and other tools to support agricultural decisions. Its value depends on data quality, training and adaptation to local realities.

Why is digital agriculture advancing in Latin America?

The region needs to improve efficiency, manage risk and expand access to technical assistance. A growing agtech ecosystem and stronger connections among companies, researchers and growers support new applications.

What is the role of agricultural distributors in digital transformation?

Distributors can connect technologies, products, agronomic guidance and local support. They also help assess the technical, regulatory, logistical and commercial feasibility of each solution.

Can specialty liquid fertilizers be part of smart farming?

They can form part of management programs supported by data and agronomic recommendations, depending on each product’s purpose and crop needs. They do not automatically replace base fertilization or other essential practices.

How does Solo Rico support international importers and distributors?

Solo Rico offers more than 30 years of experience, a portfolio of specialty liquid fertilizers and technical and commercial dialogue to evaluate opportunities according to the crops, requirements and realities of each market.