Aimed at increasing the profile of IICA in Atlantic Canada, the IICA Delegation in Canada, accompanied by Deputy Director of Technical Cooperation, Dr. Maria Rodriguez, embarked on a weeklong information sharing mission targeting 3 Provinces – Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
Ottawa, ON. Participants were drawn from academia, Government, industry and non-governmental organizations, most of whom had no previous interaction with, nor knowledge of the Institute. Dr. Rodriguez illustrated the range and diverse nature of IICA’s collaborations through project activities in the hemisphere, while Dr. Barnett, IICA Representative in Canada, and Pedro Chacon, Technical Cooperation Specialist shared elements of the IICA Country Strategy for Canada. Consultations with universities proved extremely fruitful, with a healthy appetite displayed for collaboration with countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Interest was particularly high in the Research & Internship Assistance Program (RIAP), information & knowledge sharing programs and potential joint projects.
Interesting synergies between the Maritime Provinces and LAC were evident in the focus and initiatives relating to adaptation to climate change, aquaculture, extraction of bioactives, and technology transfer. IICA’s team was privy to research being undertaken, commercialization of technologies as well as support services being provided, as the region seemingly prepares to distinguish itself in
the natural products arena. Tours of several facilities served to complement discussions as well identify possible prospects for technical exchanges. According to Dr. Barnett on completion of a tour of the renowned Atlantic Veterinary College, “I am really impressed ….I previously did not have a true appreciation of the scope and quality of the programs here…” While a researcher recently benefited under the RIAP programme, more promotion will be conducted in LAC to encourage internships and exchanges at this facility.
As Prince Edward Island is considered the “Potato Capital of Canada”, the team was thrilled with the outcome of the meeting with executives of the PEI Potato Board, signalling that collaboration was likely. The 5 day mission, while hectic, was deemed a success by the IICA team, who had a number of promising leads and offers to pursue.
IICA acknowledges the Market & Industry Services Board (MISB) of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) for its assistance in co-ordinating meetings with Provincial and Federal representatives in the region.
