IICA and US leaders discuss food security trade and animal health
A senior United States delegation recently met with leaders of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) to discuss key agricultural priorities and strengthen cooperation across the Americas.
The meeting brought together representatives from the United States and IICA, the organization that supports agricultural development in 34 member countries across the region. Discussions focused on improving food security, supporting nutrition programs, enhancing emergency response systems, and addressing important trade and animal health issues.
"To unlock greater trade opportunities and safeguard our food supply, the Americas and the Caribbean must unite around agricultural policies grounded in sound science. By strengthening collaboration between IICA, FAO, and other organizations, and eliminating redundant efforts, we can support American farmers through science-based international standards, cutting-edge biotechnology, and robust plant and animal health defenses. Together, we are building safe, efficient, and resilient agricultural markets across the Western Hemisphere," said Ambassador Lynda C. Blanchard.
A major topic was the need for stronger international cooperation. Delegates emphasized that agriculture plays a critical role in ensuring stable food supplies and supporting rural communities. They also highlighted the importance of science-based policies, innovation, and modern technology in helping farmers remain productive and competitive.
"Partnering with IICA provides the United States with a direct, strategic avenue to champion American agriculture. By cutting through international bureaucracy, we are focusing our partnerships on eliminating regulatory barriers, championing American innovation, and aligning our regional partners around sound science to bolster food supply and security," said Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Laken Rapier.
Participants discussed ways to expand collaboration between IICA and global food organizations. Such cooperation could help reduce duplication of efforts, improve efficiency, and create stronger agricultural systems across the Western Hemisphere. Leaders noted that joint action can support safe and reliable food production while strengthening plant and animal health protections.
Animal disease prevention was another key focus of the meeting. Officials discussed threats such as New World Screwworm and African Swine Fever, which can cause significant economic losses and disrupt agricultural production. Strengthening regional partnerships was identified as an important step toward preventing and managing these challenges.
The discussions also covered efforts to remove barriers to agricultural trade and encourage innovation. Officials stressed the importance of policies based on sound science to support farmers, improve market access, and strengthen food security across the region.
IICA's leadership highlighted ongoing reforms designed to make the organization more efficient, responsive, and focused on delivering practical results for member countries. These changes aim to strengthen IICA's role as a leading technical partner for agriculture throughout the Americas.
"IICA exists to serve its Member States, and that means becoming faster, more focused, and more accountable every day. The reforms underway are sharpening our role as the Agricultural Agency of the Americas, delivering real results for our Member States, not duplicated bureaucracy," said Director General Muhammad Ibrahim.
He added, "I am proud of the partnership we share with the United States, and I look forward to working even more closely with our colleagues at the Rome-based UN food agencies, FAO, WFP, and IFAD, to ensure the unique needs of the Western Hemisphere are met with the urgency they deserve."
The partnership between the United States and IICA has a long history dating back to the organization's founding in 1942. Leaders from both sides expressed their commitment to continuing this collaboration and working together to build a more resilient, productive, and sustainable agricultural future for the region.
Photo credit: Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture