The Latin American Plant Sciences Network (Red Latinoamericana de Botnica-RLB) is a consortium of Centers of Excellence in Latin America designed to increase innovative scientific capacity in the plant sciences by providing graduate level training to students throughout the region. Training centers are located in Mexico, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina, with headquarters at
... [Show full abstract] the Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile. During the initial five-year period, the Network has trained 70 graduate students (Doctoral, Master, and short-term trainees); has supported 67 research projects, 21 graduate courses, and 48 scientific events; and has provided minor infrastructure to the training centers for a total cost of US$1,245,645 (including Network administration and coordination). The Network has had a major impact in breaking isolation among the Latin American countries and stimulating collaborative scientific efforts. The Network's experience is of relevance to the promotion of agroforestry research and education in the region.