USDBC AND IICA DISCUSS WAYS TO COLLABORATE

Over the past months USDBC, along with other U.S. agricultural trade groups has been invited to participate in meetings with IICA, the InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, based in San Jose, Costa Rica. IICA seeks to cultivate an Inter-American System that supports the efforts of Member States to achieve agricultural development and rural well-being. There are 34 member states including the U.S. Recently IICA has been looking to strengthen partnerships with U.S. agricultural trade groups in areas of mutual interest including agricultural development, nutritional enhancement, and promoting the benefits of the DR/CAFTA trade agreement. Following up on a general meeting with the U.S. agricultural trade community, USDBC reached out to IICA to further determine possible areas for future engagement. Earlier this month, USDBC Americas Representative, Alejandro Leloir met with IICA General Director Manuel Otero, Deputy Director Lloyd Day and a team of technical specialists at IICA’s Headquarters in Costa Rica. The meeting focused on the need for global phytosanitary measures such as MRLs, to abide by science based protocols, food security for Latin America, and improved nutritional guidelines for local diets, which could include the need for greater consumption of beans. Follow up discussions are planned to identify specific projects and areas for collaboration. IICA is an important ally for sound trade and nutritional policy in the Americas region, more to come.