Representative’s Message

The final months of the year have typically been characterized by a feverish pace to complete projects, reports and other obligations.  Undaunted by this, the Delegation in Canada proceeded to also embrace several new activities.  A Rapid Response Action was undertaken, as well as the co-organization and execution of two international workshops.  Special kudos to the Delegation’s Ysabel Giroux who demonstrated IICA’s value-added in event management!  The Delegation also welcomed a new Technical Specialist, Lindsay, who hit the ground running with the new call for applications for the Delegation’s Research & internship Assistance Programme (RIAP).  The Fall also appears to be the preferred time of year for conferences and symposia.  Team members were therefore participants at local events in Ottawa as well as on the international scene.   An interesting event was the Lobby Day, in which the Agricultural Institute of Canada in collaboration with stakeholders such as IICA promoted the importance of agricultural research and innovation to Parliamentarians.

The Delegation in celebrating IICA’s 75th anniversary, highlighted the fact that 2017 marked  45 years since the Government of Canada joined the IICA family.  The double-anniversary event which was hosted turned out to be a fitting occasion to recognize two individuals who have been champions and supporters of IICA’s programs over the years. 

Notwithstanding the exhilarating period, the highlight for the Delegation was the election of the Institute’s new Director General in the person of Dr. Manuel Otero. The Delegation in Canada extends congratulations to Dr. Otero.   Based on his vision and past achievements, the team anticipates he will have a stellar tenure at the helm of the Institute.

For more information:

Dr. Audia Barnett

Audia.barnett@iica.int