Argentina’s RECSO Sets the Standard for Unified Regional Soybean Trials in 2026

Argentina’s RECSO Sets the Standard for Unified Regional Soybean Trials in 2026

For over four decades, the National Soybean Cultivar Evaluation Network (RECSO) in Argentina has been a cornerstone in the agricultural sector, providing valuable insights and recommendations for soybean cultivation. Now, the organization is set to take a significant leap forward by expanding its reach to a regional scale in 2026. This ambitious transition will establish a network that brings together Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Colombia, and Peru as active members in generating and analyzing agronomic information.

The initiative proposes the creation of the Regional Network for the Evaluation of Soybean Cultivars (RRECSO-Americas), which over three years will foster regional cooperation through unified experimental protocols, shared governance, and collaboration with the University of Florida (United States) to develop predictive models. This move is expected to revolutionize the way soybean cultivation is managed across the region, ensuring that farmers have access to the most up-to-date and relevant information to optimize their yields.

Cristian Vissani, the national coordinator of the RECSO, explained that the main objective of the project is to reduce the gap between real and potential yields limited by water, by optimizing the choice of cultivation and agronomic management in Latin America. He specified that networks of comparative soybean yield tests will be developed in the participating countries, with a unified protocol, in order to identify superior genotypes and management practices adapted to each environment. This will not only benefit individual farmers but also contribute to the overall agricultural productivity of the region.

The direct beneficiaries of this initiative will be the soybean producers of the participating countries, along with seed companies, technical advisors, and research and extension personnel belonging to the national agricultural research institutes. By pooling resources and expertise, the RRECSO-Americas network aims to create a robust system that can adapt to the diverse environmental conditions across the region, ensuring that farmers can make informed decisions about their crops.

Juan Cruz Molina, director of the INTA Córdoba Regional Center, highlighted that the expanded model is based on reducing productive gaps and transferring innovation, promoted through an interactive model that seeks to engage various stakeholders in the agricultural ecosystem. In Argentina, the model is built on collaboration among INTA, the Argentine Seed Association (ASA), and seed companies, supported by a broader network that includes universities, producer groups, and organizations such as CREA and AAPRESID. These actors contribute to the generation of knowledge and the dissemination of best practices, ensuring that the latest research findings are quickly translated into practical applications on the farms.

The establishment of the RRECSO-Americas network is a testament to the commitment of the participating countries to work together towards a common goal: enhancing soybean production and ensuring food security in the region. By adopting a unified approach to experimental protocols and governance, the network will be better equipped to address the challenges faced by soybean farmers, such as water scarcity and climate change, and to develop strategies that maximize productivity while minimizing environmental impact.

In conclusion, the expansion of the RECSO into a regional network in 2026 represents a significant milestone in the history of soybean cultivation in Latin America. By bringing together experts from multiple countries and fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, the RRECSO-Americas network is poised to set a new standard for agricultural research and development in the region. This initiative not only promises to improve the efficiency of soybean production but also to strengthen the resilience of the agricultural sector in the face of evolving challenges. As the network gains momentum, it will be crucial for all stakeholders to remain committed to the shared vision of a more productive, sustainable, and prosperous agricultural future for the participating countries.