Meeting recently in Costa Rica at the Headquarters of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation, a new Assembly of members of FORAGRO was constituted, as a more inclusive mechanism.
Agricultural science, technology and innovation have been acknowledged globally as important drivers for sustainable and productive agriculture. Countries in the Americas therefore continue to invest to various degrees through their national research centers and extension service. Regional mechanisms such as the Forum of the Americas for Agricultural Research and Technological Development (FORAGRO), established some 20 years ago by the Inter-American Board of Agriculture (IABA), have also proven key to supporting an effective agri-food sector in member countries. Against the background of a changing environment and increased demands on the world to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, the governance and priorities of FORAGRO were reviewed and revised for improved effectiveness.
Meeting recently in Costa Rica at the Headquarters of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation, a new Assembly of members of FORAGRO was constituted, as a more inclusive mechanism, comprising regional agricultural cooperation platforms such as the PROCIs, farmer organizations, civil society, academia, youth and women organizations. The Representative of the IICA Delegation in Canada attended in person in the capacity as the Executive Secretary of PROCINORTE, while the Board of Directors’ President was one of several members represented virtually.
The Assembly was reminded of the rich legacy of FORAGRO as members endorsed the topics of Innovation for Family Agriculture, Natural Resources and biodiversity, social, economic & environmental sustainability and assuring value-added as current priority areas. The new Charter with guidelines on the constitution and operations was approved and will be presented at the meeting of the IABA in October.
For more information:
Dr. Audia Barnett
Email: audia.barnett@iica.int
