In the interview, Clavijo Benitez explains how a Colombian firm built the capabilities to support international companies by connecting strategy, technical evidence, execution, and post-registration responsibility.
“The industry has to be renewed in terms of digital communications and find ways to create more digital solutions for farmers.”— Pablo Emilio Clavijo
Could you give a brief overview of your company, its history, and coverage in Latin America?
Clavijo Benitez Limitada is a family company established in Bogotá in 1994 to provide agrochemical regulatory affairs services in Colombia. Since its establishment, the firm has focused on honesty, loyalty, responsibility, professionalism, quality, and technology in its processes. Since 2017 it has also provided services in Ecuador and Panama, operating from its Colombian headquarters and its Quito office, and serving clients from around the world.
What specific services does the company provide, and which agricultural sectors does it cover?
The company provides tailored regulatory affairs services for agricultural products, supporting clients from regulatory strategy through final registration submission. Its work includes market research, R&D trials, efficacy trials, environmental and toxicological studies, and registration submissions for pesticides, fertilizers, adjuvants, biological products, and other categories. The firm follows new product technologies and regulatory changes to support product applications in Latin American markets.
How would you describe the Colombian agrochemical market and its prospects?
Colombia is a competitive market with strong local companies committed to farmers and a continuous search for products offering better technologies and crop solutions. Colombian authorities strictly control environmental and health requirements before approval and continue to monitor commercialized products for compliance with licenses and value-chain responsibilities.
What are the main challenges for overseas companies entering Colombia?
Companies must satisfy regulatory requirements and secure registrations with a clear understanding of post-registration responsibilities. Selecting local distributors and partners is also critical, while preserving commercial flexibility. Clavijo Benitez can support regulatory strategy, portfolio analysis, importer selection, registration, post-registration, and local-presence alternatives. New entrants should choose consultants and strategies carefully, invest in market knowledge, and focus on value-added products.
During COVID-19, what challenges was the industry facing?
The pandemic surprised every organization, although companies with digital processes were better positioned to respond. In Latin America, it also highlighted the strategic importance of agriculture. The industry faced a growing sector while needing to renew its digital communications and develop solutions such as e-learning, e-commerce, and precision agriculture.
What were the firm’s main advantages compared with similar consultancies?
Honesty and loyalty were central values, together with safeguarding client confidentiality. A regional presence enabled an integrated service and simpler registration processes supported by professionals from different disciplines. Long experience was combined with new ideas and quality-oriented processes.
What was the company’s future development plan?
The firm continuously evaluated its operations, strategies, and objectives. Its plans included adding precision-agriculture and environmental services, increasing its presence across Latin America, and building alliances with other consultants to contribute its experience to the growth and success of other companies.