AIA host high-level Bolivian delegation on visits across the UK

Monday 30th March 2026, 1:07pm

Agrifood Investment Advisory (AIA) representatives hosted a Ministerial-level delegation from Bolivia, on visits across the UK. The ambition was to explore both public and private capital models to help stimulate agri-innovation and Climate Smart Agriculture in Bolivian agricultural regions, with a focus around Santa Cruz.



AIA with delegation from Bolivia, at SRUC Easter Howgate Farm

strengthening sustainable agricultural partnerships

Senior representatives from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office initially hosted the delegation, sponsored through its UK PACT initiative. 

AIA accompanied the delegation whilst travelling around the UK, visiting key capabilities and showcasing UK agri-tech companies with relevant technologies. 

The delegation visited Harper Adams University, Roslin Innovation Centre, and SRUC, as well as UK Agri-Tech Centre's South West Dairy Development Centre and Midlands Hub, for an introduction to the UK's agri capabilities and to demonstrate expertise relevant to Bolivia's sustainable growth needs, in its agri-food industries. 



The Minister and other delegates were impressed by the presentations and  keenly interested in UK capabilities, with a view to engage further going forward. 

The Bolivian delegation included:

  • Jose Luis Llanos Rocha - Vice Minister of Planning. Ministry of Planning, La Paz Bolivia
  • Yamil Nacif - Vice President of the Chamber of Agriculture, leading cattle farmer, ex-president of ASOCEBU, the Association of Zebu cattle producers. 
  • Monica Tomasi  - Cattle rancher, pioneering regenerative farming practices 
  • Manlio Roca - Director of CREA Bolivia, Bolivian Association of Consortiums for Agricultural Research 
  • Alan Bojanic - Team leader and Pauro Innova project coordinator
  • René Salomon - Director of FTE (Fundación Trabajo Empresa),  which supports entrepreneurial innovation, and Member of Pauro Innova team



"It was a huge privilege for myself and AIA colleagues to host a high-level delegation from Bolivia. 

"We are most grateful to our UK hosts and their support teams, and hope this visit catalyses further mutually profitable interaction between the UK and Bolivia in the agri-food sector."

Dave Ross, Partner, Agrifood Investment Advisory


AIA with delegation from Bolivia, outside Roslin Innovation Centre

eASTER BUSH EXPERTISE

Roslin Innovation Centre was host for the delegation on the final two days, joined by John Semple from Scottish Development International.

Val Hughes-White, RIC & Agritech Innovation Director, provided an overview of relevant agri activity on Campus, specifically highlighting the work of tenant companies Roslin Technologies, Carbogenics, AbacusBio, SeaWarm and Rhizocore Technologies.  



This was followed by presentations delivered by Dr Tiffany Wood, CEO and Co-founder of Dyneval Ltd, and Mattia Poletto, Director, Global Strategy & Partnerships at Flyttr, which also identified the potential for future collaborative opportunities.   

Ivan Pocrnic, Career Track Fellow, and Pau Navarro, Senior Lecturer in Quantitative Genetics, both at the Roslin Institute, provided a presentation on livestock-related research taking place on Campus, as well as highlighting training opportunities through the postgraduate online programme in Data-Driven Breeding and Genetics.


“Roslin Innovation Centre was delighted to host the Bolivian delegation, which enabled us to showcase companies involved in  Sustainability and Climate Smart Agriculture, and also highlight the better breeding, health and management strategies for livestock, with application to Bolivia from both the Roslin Institute and Roslin Innovation Centre.  

"Tenant companies, Dyneval and Flyttr, provided detailed and informative presentations, with opportunities for future collaboration identified.”

Val Hughes-White, Roslin Innovation Centre & Agritech Innovation Director

Agrifood Investment Advisory LLP

Agrifood Investment Advisory LLP connect innovative agrifood start-ups and SMEs with investors.

The advisory has colleagues based at Roslin Innovation Centre and also in London, offering a combination of deep expertise in capital raising transactions with unique experience, sector knowledge and networks.



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