Eco-intensification of Hass Avocado Cultivation. (ANDI Bioeconomy Hub 2025)

Eco-intensification of Hass Avocado Cultivation. (ANDI Bioeconomy Hub 2025)

Please note that the deadline is based on Korean Standard Time Zone (KST, UTC+9)

INTRODUCTION TO GGGI

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. To learn more please visit about GGGI web page.

GGGI works with countries worldwide, building their capacity and working collaboratively on green growth policies that can impact the lives of millions. The organization partners with countries, multilateral institutions, government bodies, and the private sector to help build economies that grow strongly and are more efficient and sustainable in the use of natural resources, less carbon-intensive, and more resilient to climate change.

GGGI has a diverse portfolio of programs in developing countries around the world. Together with global products and services, these in-country programs focus on delivering results through an integrated approach of evidence-based green growth planning and implementation aligned to “countries” development priorities. The organization also focuses on knowledge development and management activities, which build a solid theoretical and empirical basis for green growth while providing concrete options and guidance for policymakers and creating the conditions for public and private green infrastructure investments.

Project background

GGGI has been working with the Government of Colombia to advance green growth policies and green investments through strategic partnerships such as with the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Treasury and Public Credit, and the National Planning Department (DNP), among others. Since 2014, GGGI has supported the DNP in its objective of advancing a green growth vision and transition plan for Colombia that can help climate goals and SDGs achievement. GGGI supported the development of the Green Growth Taskforce led by DNP (2016-2018), which produced solid and relevant information for the design and concertation of the Green Growth Policy- GGP (adopted using CONPES 3934 of 2018).

One strategic axis of the GGP aims to promote the sustainable use of natural capital, which includes the Bioeconomy as one key strategy to foster the low carbon economy through adding value to generate products, processes, and services based on responsible use of biodiversity and biomass. In that regard, GGGI supported the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation - MinCiencias, the National Planning Department, and other stakeholders in the technical design and concertation of the National Bioeconomy Mission “Para una Colombia Potencia viva y diversa: hacia una Sociedad impulsada por el conocimiento”.

Within the framework of the UK PACT (Alliance for Accelerated Climate Transitions) BioRural project (2024–2027), the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the National Association of Colombian Businesspeople (ANDI), in partnership with INNpulsa, are launching the first edition of the ANDI Bioeconomy Hub 2025. This initiative will accelerate bioeconomy projects and support the implementation of the Biodiversity and Business Roadmap for Colombia. The call for proposals addresses six innovation challenges in the business sector, with the aim of enabling the integration of bioproducts or bioservices into the Colombian market. These challenges were presented by ANDI member companies belonging to its Chambers, Sectoral Committees and Programmes. The aim is to find solutions from academia, research centres, companies, start-ups or individuals who have the capability to develop them.The solutions will be financed with GGGI resources, as well as through co-financing in the form of blended finance from the Challenging Chambers, Companies and Solution Organisations. This is why it is important that both the Challenge and the Solution motivate participating organisations to invest in the projects, thus guaranteeing the sustainability of the solutions.

The six challenges selected for ANDI and GGGI, by chamber, are:

1. Eco-intensification of Hass avocado cultivation (Cámara de Procultivos).

2. Transformation of paper mill sludge into biochar (Cámara de Pulpa, Papel y Cartón).

3. Business maturity assessment platform for the transition to green chemistry and circular bioeconomy (Comité de la Industria Química), focused on the design of a bioservice platform.

4. BioIntelligent: knowledge-as-a-service bioservice for strategic decision-making in business bioeconomy (Centro Nacional del Agua y la Biodiversidad), aimed at supporting the sustainability of open innovation challenges within ANDI.

5. Strategic intelligence system for the valorization of functional natural ingredients from sacha inchi and corozo, applied in the Colombian food industry (Cámara de alimentos – Alimentos Naturales), which is strongly research-orient. Ideally, the initiative will advance the development of bioproduct prototypes with commercial viability, enabling one of the Chamber’s member companies to bring them to market.

6. Strategic intelligence system for the comprehensive valorization of coffee residual biomass in Colombia (National Federation of Coffee Growers), focusing on the use of coffee pulp to develop prototypes for both cosmetics and functional foods.

Within this framework, GGGI is collaborating with ANDI to address Challenge 1: Eco-intensification of Hass Avocado Cultivation. This challenge, proposed by Cámara de Procultivos de la ANDI, aims to optimize productivity within the Hass avocado sector. Specifically, the initiative seeks innovative solutions to add value to residual orchard biomass. Overcoming this challenge will reduce solid waste pollution, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions to unlock carbon credit markets, lower disposal costs, generate revenue from new bio-based products, and foster a circular bioeconomy model.

Objectives of the assignment

The primary objective of this consultancy is to support the collection, organization and analysis of technical, market and environmental information related to the valorization of Hass avocado residual biomass in Antioquia, providing evidence-based recommendations and technical inputs for decision-making by Cámara de Procultivos.

Specific Objectives

1. Support the technical characterization of biomass generated in Hass avocado cultivation across at least four (4) farms selected by the Cámara de Procultivos in the municipalities of Guarne and Sonsón (Antioquia), through the identification of its types, the estimation of generation volumes, the determination of seasonal availability—focusing on the main harvest window between the months of September and March—, the analysis of physicochemical properties (proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, energy performance and structural analysis, depending on the type of biomass), and the evaluation of current management and disposal practices.
2. Identify opportunities for reuse and comprehensive valorization of residual biomass from Hass avocado cultivation, considering all its sources of origin: pruning, crop losses, discard, leaf litter, eradication and crop renewal.
3. Support the identification and evaluate the routes for utilization and biotechnological or industrial transformation of Hass avocado residual biomass in Antioquia, mapping the key actors and potential value chains in the department.
4. Support the assessment of viable alternatives for the valorization of residual biomass, applying technical sustainability, economic feasibility, and operational efficiency criteria to inform the proposed circular business model.
5. Contribute to the prioritization of three integrated valorization pathways for Hass avocado residual biomass, providing technical inputs to support the formulation of potential new business lines within the strategic model.
6. Support the identification and analysis of prospective business and technological scenarios that enable the Cámara de Procultivos to identify opportunities and anticipate risks associated with the integrated utilization of residual biomass.
7. Provide technical inputs for the preparation of the roadmap and action plan as operational components of the strategic intelligence model, including the assessment of technical, commercial, and regulatory considerations relevant to market opportunities and sectoral risk management.
8. Support the identification of resource optimization opportunities in prioritized Hass avocado farms by contributing to the evaluation of circular water eco-intensification practices and residual biomass utilization options that strengthen key ecosystem services within the production system.

Deliverables and payment schedule

The expected outputs are the following:

1. Work Plan

The consultant will develop a comprehensive work plan that defines the objectives, scope of the model, key indicators, timelines, and stakeholders. This document will clearly define the goals, measurable results, schedules, and roles, ensuring alignment with the objectives and overall business strategy of the Cámara de Procultivos.

2. Report 1. Technical report of progress, results and evidence including: Definition of the scope of the strategic intelligence model, search and identification of Hass avocado biomass valorization routes, identification of innovation and market trends and validation of routes

The consultant will support the definition of the methodological parameters and scope of the study's analysis.

Activities include:

• Contribute to defining the types of Hass avocado residual biomass to be analyzed and support the methodology to conduct the technical characterization of biomass.
• Geographic delimitation (prioritized regions in the department of Antioquia)
• Contribute with technical inputs that will help defining the target market segments (bioeconomy, food and beverages, biomaterials, bioenergy, or other selected segments)
• Support in establishing the time frame for the analysis
• Support the definition and application of prioritization criteria (technical feasibility, economic potential, environmental impact, technological maturity)
• Support the identification of key stakeholders
• Identifying primary and secondary sources of information.

• Search and identification of Hass avocado biomass valorization routes

• Identification of innovation and market trends
• Validation of routes

Deliverables:

• Technology monitoring report, patent identification review, and technical data sheets for identified technologies.
• Report with the description of types of Hass avocado residual biomass and the methodology to conduct the technical characterization of biomass.
• Competitive intelligence report, comparative analysis of success stories, table of products on the market, sector analysis.
• Validation matrix, interview/workshop minutes, results report, strategy adjustments.

3. Report 2. Technical report of results and evidence including: Prioritization of Hass avocado cultivation biomass valorization routes, support the construction of prospective scenarios, design of roadmap and action plan

Activities include:

• Apply an agreed multi-criteria selection methodology (qualitative and quantitative) to evaluate and select optimal biomass valorization pathways.
• Support the the analysis of alternative scenarios and futures using strategic foresight methodology for the prioritized pathways.
• Provide technical inputs for the roadmap and operational action plan that defines goals, resources, timeline, and key stakeholders for the implementation of the selected pathways.
• Support the identification of resource optimization strategies in priority Hass avocado farms, such as eco-intensification practices for the circular use of water and evaluation of the use of residual biomass to strengthen ecosystem services of the crop.

Deliverables:

• Report of the technical characterization of Hass avocado residual biomass including:
  • Technical report supporting route prioritization model including a multi-criteria evaluation matrix, detailed technical data sheets for the selected value-added routes, and an executive presentation for decision-making.
  • Draft report with technical inputs for the analysis of alternative scenarios or futures for the priority routes.
  • Technical inputs for a strategic implementation plan containing a graphical roadmap, a detailed operational action plan, a risk matrix with its respective mitigation strategies, and an executive presentation geared toward investors and decision-makers.
  • A preliminary identification and assessment of resource optimization strategies in priority Hass avocado farms, such as eco-intensification practices for the circular use of water and evaluation of the use of residual biomass to strengthen ecosystem services of the crop.

4. Final Report

Preparation of a detailed final report, including:

• Technical recommendations for the potential scaling up, and sustainability of the strategic intelligence methodology, including observations regarding the value streams as scalable business models.
• Technical observations and recommendations regarding resource optimization in prioritized Hass avocado farms, encompassing circular water eco-intensification practices and alternatives for residual biomass utilization to strengthen key ecosystem services of the crop.
• Presentation of the results to the Cámara de Procultivos de la ANDI and other interested stakeholders in the value chain.

Deliverables, timeline, and payments

Payment

Deliverables

Due Date

Amount (% of total fee)

Payment 1

Work Plan

Within two (2) weeks following the start date of the contract.

20%

Payment 2

Report 1. Technical report of progress, results and evidence including: Support definition of the scope of the strategic intelligence model, search and identification of Hass avocado biomass valorization routes, identification of innovation and market trends and validation of routes

Within two (2) months after the start date of the contract.

30%

Payment 3

Report 2. Technical report of results and evidence including: Prioritization of Hass avocado cultivation biomass valorization routes, support the construction of prospective scenarios, design of roadmap and action plan

Within four (4) months following the start date of the contract.

30%

Payment 4

Final Report

Within twenty-four (24) weeks, following the start date of the contract.

20%

Reporting Arrangements

The Consultancy reports to the Bioeconomy Associate under the technical guidance provided by Cámara de Procultivos de la ANDI. The consultant's work progress will be monitored primarily through periodic review meetings for planning and monthly short face-to-face (or virtual) meetings for prioritizing activities, all of that previous consensus with the Contract Supervisor. In this review, meetings will tackle subjects such as the overview of the contractual objectives, the development of activities, detailed information milestones, actual achievements made against the timeline initially set, and any other relevant progress details.

All Deliverables will be produced in Spanish, by GGGI's formatting requirements, and submitted with proof of editable file back-up (e.g., .docx, .pptx) in the GGGI SharePoint system. Where relevant, the consultant shall also provide raw data sets, research materials, and meeting notes related to the contractual objective.

The Global Green Growth Institute ("GGGI") is committed to transparency, accountability, and openness in the organization. In case of any doubt, please refer to our Whistle Blower policy in the link: http://gggi.org/site/assets/uploads/2017/11/Whistleblower-Policy_02072015.pdf

Suggested methodology and competence requirements

• The consultant should follow the specific methods provided by the Contract Supervisor.
• The consultant will best use both primary and secondary sources of information to develop activities defined under the contract objective.
• The consultant will be responsible for providing transparent financial information regarding expenses incurred for conducting field visits, orientation meetings, webinars, or workshops.

Expertise required

• (MANDATORY) Bachelor´s Degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Agronomic/Agricultural Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Forest Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Biotechnology, Biology, or Business Administration, or related areas.
• Desirable with postgraduate studies in Management of Technology, Innovation Management Project Management, or related areas.
• (MANDATORY) A least four (4) years of experience in innovation, bioeconomy and acceleration of bio businesses, in the agricultural, food, cosmetic, natural ingredients and biotechnology sectors, with at least two years (2) of experience in data-driven strategic intelligence for bioeconomy opportunities, with a focus on sustainability and innovation, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, and the design of strategies for accessing sustainable markets and optimizing resources.
• Knowledge in circular economy in different industries, identifying new opportunities through data analysis and trend detection with a focus on biomass-based solutions.
• Knowledge in strategic intelligence, innovation management and technological development for biodiversity valorization and biotechnology application.
  • Knowledge of, and ability to handle, environmental and quality regulations (e.g. ISO 14001).
  • Organized with excellent time management.
  • Proven ability to work with teams and collaborate.
  • Ability to work well under pressure and have a flexible approach to tasks.

• English understanding suitable
• Ability to establish relationships with stakeholders in the sector.

Administrative information

• Selection method / process: Competitive.
• Timeline of the selection: 10 days

Date to close is Korean Standard Time (KST). Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered Application. CV must be sent in English. A consortium, or a firm may not be engaged for the individual consultant assignment.

Social and sustainability safeguards

GGGI as an institution abides by its project-level Sustainability and Safeguards Rules (SSR) for all projects aligned with international standards for Environmental and Social Safeguards. The SSR is aligned with commonly recognized international standards for Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS), i.e. the WB Performance Standard, that ensure project level safeguarding of communities and people impacted by GGGI activities. GGGI has integrated project level Environmental and Social Safeguards into its Project Cycle Management (PCM) with mandatory Preliminary Gender and Social Assessments and ESS Screening of all projects to identify and manage risks.

In addition, GGGI's Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Strategy 2021-2025 provides a framework toward achieving the principle of "Leaving No One Behind" in the transformation towards green growth, guiding GGGI's approaches to the mainstreaming of gender equality and poverty reduction in GGGI Colombia's Program. This also includes the implementation of the GGGI Gender Equality and Poverty Reduction Policy Markers on all projects. GGGI's Corporate Results Framework requires gender disaggregated indicators for participation in GGGI Capacity Building events.

GGGI's Child Protection Rules and GGGI Rules on Sexual Exploitation ensure safeguarding of children impacted by GGGI activities or in contact with GGGI contracted personnel, with GGGI taking a zero-tolerance approach to child exploitation. GGGI is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. GGGI's Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. All procedures mentioned above are accompanied by guidelines and capacity building efforts. GGGI also provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, embracing diversity in all its forms, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply. GGGI promotes equal opportunities for all including persons with disabilities.

All GGGI's policies are available for open consultation under the following link: https://gggi.org/policy-documents/

ANTI-Fraud and Safeguard

GGGI is committed to apply transparency and accountability in its decisions and actions, and to practice integrity in all aspects of its operations. GGGI’s anti-corruption policy establishes zero tolerance for corruption and fraudulent, coercive, and collusive practices in GGGI’s operations. The whistleblowing policy is available at the following link https://gggi.org/site/assets/uploads/2017/11/Whistleblower-Policy_02072015.pdf

In addition, all GGGI’s policies are available for open consultation under the following link: https://gggi.org/policy-documents/

Lastly, within the framework of UK PACT Colombia's projects with GGGI and their respective activities, the following reporting channels from FCDO (UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) are available to GGGI suppliers and consultants:

- reportingconcerns@fcdo.gov.uk: to report any case of fraud or theft (whether proven or suspected).

reportingconcerns@fcdo.gov.uk: to report any credible suspicions of or actual incidents of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment related.

Child protection – GGGI is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. GGGI’s Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Child protection – GGGI is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. GGGI’s Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.