AbstractA direct survey on agricultural biotechnology R&D investment in three Latin American countries (Argentina, Costa Rica and Venezuela) showed that this was basically a higher education sector activity, with only small productive sector involvement. The most important sources of funds for this type of research was the national budget, but there were signs that the investment was insufficient for an efficient research effort. To overcome the identified limitations the efficiency of the R&D efforts have to be improved and the orientation of the biotechnology development strategy changed. An increase of the absolute investment levels in agricultural biotechnology R&D, the involvement of industry and the efficient use of international co-operation are inter-related issues which, among others, have to be addressed.