ACTA
Scientific association providing knowledge transfer in food science and technology to Colombia's agri-food sector.
ACTA (Asociación Colombiana de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos) was founded by a group of approximately 20 scientists, mainly chemists, who were completing doctoral studies in food science at international universities. The association was created to fill a gap after the Latin American and Caribbean association ALACTA was established without a Colombian counterpart.
ACTA received early governmental funding from Colciencias to support food science research. The association gradually evolved from a research-focused entity to a broader knowledge-transfer association, partnering with universities to develop research processes.
ACTA launched the scientific journal 'Alimentos Hoy' to disseminate food science knowledge, a publication that has run for approximately 30 years. The journal, though not indexed, serves as a platform for scientific communication across the sector.
Edna Liliana Peralta joined ACTA's board of directors, where she has remained continuously, eventually assuming the role of board president with executive and administrative responsibilities.
ACTA began participating in SENA's continuing education calls, delivering specialized food science training across the national territory, later partnering with ANDI to present joint bids for these opportunities.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, ACTA transitioned fully to remote work to reduce costs and maintain viability amid a heavily impacted food industry. This shift enabled the association to reach more regions across Colombia beyond its traditional Bogotá focus.
ACTA organized CLAMISA in Medellín, an internationally recognized event that merged three conferences: ACTA's biennial congress, ALACTA's Latin American event, and IFP's Latin American event. The IFP formally recognized ACTA for the quality of this event, and ACTA also expanded its research awards to the Latin American level for the first time.