Tumaco, Nariño. March 5, 2026. Within the framework of the BIOPALMAS Program, Corporación colombiana de investigación agropecuaria (AGROSAVIA) is leading a strategic initiative at the El Mira Research Center aimed at transforming the coconut value chain. The objective is clear: to move from the sale of fresh fruit toward a high–value-added, resilient, and technologically advanced rural agroindustry.
This initiative, specifically referred to as Project Three (3) of the program, seeks to validate technologies that will enable producers from Tumaco and the Pacific region of Nariño to access more competitive markets through local processing and transformation.
Technological Milestones: Clean Energy and Thermal Stability
One of the greatest challenges in rural areas with energy constraints is the feasibility of industrial processes. To address this issue, the project has achieved significant milestones in bioenergy infrastructure:
Biodigestion and Co-digestion: Operational stability has been achieved in a biodigester that uses coconut residues to produce high-quality biogas.
Steam System: The installation and testing of a boiler designed to operate with renewable thermal energy ensures the center’s capacity to run processes that require controlled heat.
Hybrid Solar Drying: Implementing a hybrid solar dryer complements the energy matrix, optimizing the use of the region’s natural resources.
Applied Science for High-Quality Products
The project focuses not only on energy but also on improving the sophistication of the final product. Two critical processing pathways are currently being evaluated:
Tangential Flow Microfiltration: A cutting-edge technology used to stabilize coconut water while preserving its organoleptic properties without relying on aggressive thermal treatments.
Vacuum Frying Dehydration: A technique aimed at producing coconut oil and co-products, ensuring longer shelf life and improved nutritional quality.
Local Talent and Social Fabric
The human component lies at the heart of this transformation. The project highlights the involvement of three young female researchers from Tumaco, a deliberate decision to ensure that technical knowledge remains within the territory and strengthens generational renewal in regional agricultural science.
“We aim to reduce postharvest losses and dependence on intermediaries by providing the community with sustainable business models and environmentally friendly technologies,” state project leaders at the El Mira Research Center.
Impact and Outlook
By validating these processes at a real technological maturity level (TRL), AGROSAVIA expects to deliver operational prototypes and solid business models for coconut oil and coconut water. This will not only open doors to national and international markets but will also foster the creation of rural enterprises that will stimulate the Pacific region’s economy.
About the BIOPALMAS Program: It is a macro-level initiative led by Dr. Fabrice Vaillant, focused on generating added value for traditional palm species such as açaí and coconut, with activities in the Colombian Amazon and the Pacific Coast, integrating scientific research with the real needs of producers.
- More information here:
- Mónica Milena Burbano
- Communications, Identity and Corporate Relations Professional
- Research Center Obonuco
- Communications, Identity and Corporate Relations Advisory Office
- mmburbano@agrosavia.co
- AGROSAVIA
