Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture

Leaders Of Rurality

The IICA will recognize rural leaders in the Americas, under an initiative to pay tribute to men and women who are leaving their mark and making a difference in rural communities of our hemisphere.

This award pays tribute to those who are playing a unique dual role: guaranteeing food and nutritional security, by producing under all circumstances, as well as protecting the biodiversity of the planet. It will also emphasize their capacity to be positive role models in rural areas of the region.

References​

Claudio Bertonatti, Argentine naturalist who counts on the countryside and producers to protect the future and the values of the land, recognized by IICA as a Leader of Rurality of the Americas

Bertonatti is a passionate conservationist, but also an expert in museology, environmental management, and historic botanical gardens. A researcher at the Center for Natural, Environmental, and Anthropological Sciences at Maimonides University and scientific advisor to the Azara Foundation, Claudio never shies away from controversy whenever the opportunity arises.

Mary Robinson, a Canadian sixth-generation farmer and prominent figure in multiple agricultural organizations, was recognized by IICA as a Leader of Rurality of the Americas

Robinson, who was appointed senator in the Parliament of Canada at the beginning of 2024, will receive the “Soul of Rurality” award, which is part of an initiative by the specialized agency in agricultural and rural development to give visibility to men and women who leave their mark and make a difference in the countryside of the American continent, key to food and nutritional security and environmental sustainability of the planet.