Juan Lucas Restrepo, one of the most influential Colombians shaping what and how crops are cultivated worldwide, smiles from his apartment in Rome, the headquarters of the influential Bioversity-CIAT Alliance. Descended from landowners and farmers in the Paisa region, his demeanor and accent may not hint at a childhood spent milking cows in southwestern Antioquia and trekking through rice fields in the Eastern Plains.
Academic Foundation and Early Career
Restrepo initially studied engineering at the University of Los Andes, but his fascination with agriculture, food, and rural issues led him to switch paths midway through his studies. Influential professors like Gustavo González and Enrique Luque Carulla fueled his passion. He pursued a Master’s in Agricultural Economics at Cornell University in the United States, specializing in public policies in agriculture and food.
Leadership in Colombian Agriculture
Returning to Colombia in 1997, during the Samper administration, Restrepo was appointed Director of Sectoral Policy at the Ministry of Agriculture. Despite the country facing severe climatic challenges, his remarkable managerial skills earned him the nickname “El Fenómeno del Niño” (The El Niño Phenomenon). He emphasizes that leadership is not individual but rather an opportunity to integrate and mobilize collective efforts.
Transformative Achievements
Among Restrepo’s notable achievements is the leadership in the creation of Law 1876, establishing the National Agricultural Innovation System in Colombia. He also played a pivotal role as a plenipotentiary ambassador in the final stages of the Havana Dialogues, where he helped close the Land Agreement and define food sovereignty. However, his most celebrated accomplishment in Colombia was reviving Corpoica, the Colombian Corporation of Agricultural Research, from near bankruptcy.
Agrosavia: A Legacy of Innovation
Restrepo assumed leadership of Corpoica in 2010, amidst challenges, and transformed it into Agrosavia, a thriving institution with a significantly expanded team of researchers and advanced knowledge management infrastructure. His leadership facilitated scientific contributions to Colombia’s avocado export boom and the rise of cashew nut industry in Vichada.
Global Leadership at Bioversity International
In 2018, Restrepo was appointed Director General of Bioversity International and its Alliance with the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). With a global mandate, they produce international public goods for innovation systems in over 40 countries. Their efforts, such as the African Food Prize, have impacted millions of small-scale farmers worldwide.
Vision for Global Agriculture
Restrepo believes the greatest global challenge lies in bridging the gap between existing solutions and the prevailing status quo, which often favors unsustainable production and consumption patterns. He emphasizes the importance of transition pathways to achieve the Millennium Goals and remains optimistic despite criticism, focusing on progress and driving solutions forward.
Conclusion
Despite acknowledging the world’s myriad challenges, Restrepo remains steadfast in his commitment to pushing the boundaries of agricultural innovation and sustainability. His journey from Colombian farmlands to global agricultural leadership exemplifies the transformative power of visionary leadership and collaborative efforts in addressing complex global challenges.