Harvesting Innovation: Farmtastica and Minecraft transform agricultural learning

As technology and education become increasingly interconnected, Farmtastica is contributing to a groundbreaking initiative led by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) in Costa Rica, using Minecraft as a tool to transform agricultural education.
Organized by the IICA, a specialized agency within the Inter-American System, the third edition of the Minecraft Education for Agriculture Challenge engages students in an interactive and immersive experience. The project, supported by partners like Farmtastica and Cedes Don Bosco, encourages young people to explore sustainable food production, particularly in urban and densely populated areas.
In this challenge, students use Minecraft to propose innovative solutions, addressing critical topics such as crop management, water efficiency, biodiversity, and agricultural technologies like hydroponics and vertical farming. The initiative aims to inspire the next generation of farmers and sustainability experts through a digital platform they already know and enjoy.
“This project represents a unique opportunity to modernize agricultural education, especially for younger generations who are deeply engaged with digital technology,” said Eduardo Vásquez, Co-founder and CTO of Farmtastica, a startup focused on sustainable solutions and connecting communities with the origins of their food.
Vásquez highlighted the growing role of video games in education, adding, “By participating in this IICA-led initiative, we can show how technology serves as a powerful ally in training future agricultural leaders. It makes learning more engaging and accessible while reinforcing the importance of innovation in the sector.”
Through this collaboration, the IICA and its partners, including Farmtastica, are sowing the seeds for a more sustainable future, blending virtual creativity with real-world agricultural challenges.