Blog Discover the story behind an alliance that transformed the countryside
Did you know that collaboration between science and private enterprises can completely transform the landscape of livestock farming in the tropics? That’s exactly what happened when the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT)—now part of the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT—joined forces with the Mexican company Grupo Papalotla in the late 1990s.
From importing to developing our own
Grupo Papalotla began its journey in the agricultural world by marketing imported forage materials. However, acquiring the license to develop and distribute interspecific hybrids of Urochloa (formerly known as Brachiaria)—the most widely planted forage species in the world—solidified its role as a key player in the technological development of tropical forages.
Thanks to this partnership, scientific breakthroughs have moved from the laboratory to the fields of Latin America, Africa and Asia, where Urochloa hybrids - the result of decades of scientific research - have enabled livestock farmers to adopt improved grasses that not only boost farm productivity, but also enhance animal nutrition and reduce the environmental impact of extensive livestock systems.
Since the release in 2001 of Mulato, the first plant hybrid improved by CIAT and selected by Papalotla, it is estimated that more than 750,000 hectares have been planted around the world. Credits: CIAT
An alliance with real impact
The joint work between the Alliance and Papalotla represents much more than a simple agreement. It’s a clear example of how collaboration between scientific institutions and committed private companies can create tangible benefits for thousands of producers, rural families and tropical ecosystems.
Thanks to this partnership, scientific advances have moved beyond the lab and reached the fields of Latin America, Africa, and Asia—where Urochloa hybrids have been eagerly adopted by ranchers looking for sustainable and profitable solutions.
More than pastures: Knowledge and a shared future
This story is not just about grasses; it’s also about shared knowledge, about territories connected by a common vision, and about markets that now benefit from innovation rooted in years of rigorous research and a deep commitment to sustainable development.
That’s why the Alliance and Grupo Papalotla have created a digital space where we share this story, the experiences, lessons learned, and the impact of our joint efforts: A platform that not only retraces the path we’ve walked together, but also looks ahead to new goals, challenges and opportunities.
