New initiative, Cultivar STL, aims to bolster ties in agtech between St. Louis, Latin America

Several local organizations have created an initiative aimed at strengthening agriculture technology ties between the St. Louis region and Latin America.

The new initiative, Cultivar STL, aims to build off existing relationships between the two regions and this week will host a delegation locally that includes 30-plus entrepreneurs, investors and innovation officials from Latin America.

Beyond this week’s visit, leaders behind Cultivar STL said they hope the effort can serve as a platform for new programming and partnerships aimed at helping agtech startups in St. Louis and Latin America grow and expand in new markets. The organizations behind Cultivar STL include the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, BioSTL, the Yield Lab LATAM, World Trade Center St. Louis, Greater St. Louis Inc. and 39 North Agtech Innovation District. The groups behind the effort haven't made specific financial pledges and there is no formal budget for Cultivar STL, a spokesperson said. Each organization is contributing to different aspects of this week’s events, the spokesperson said. Read more here.