Authorities recognize the contribution of IICA to agriculture in Costa Rica
San Jose, April 8, 2015 (IICA). For every dollar of the annual quota that Costa Rica contributes to the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), it receives in return, USD 34 in technical assistance initiatives that promote the development of the national agricultural sector.
The figure is based on the statement of accounts presented by the IICA Office in Costa Rica on Wednesday April 8, to authorities from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) and sector institutions, as well as to representatives from producer associations, academia and research centers.
The meeting, held at IICA headquarters in San José, was attended by Minister Luis Felipe Arauz, the Deputy Minister José Joaquín Salazar, the Director General of IICA, Víctor M. Villalobos; and the IICA Representative in Costa Rica, Miguel Ángel Arvelo.
"Being at the forefront of the sector makes it possible for me to tackle the monumental task of IICA in supporting Costa Rican agriculture; its efforts contribute to the achievement of one of the principal objectives of the Government, which is validating the work of families involved in agricultural production”, commented Arauz.
According to the Minister, Costa Rica produces 73% of the food in its basic food basket, a contribution that could reach 80% with support from IICA and other entities, through productivity incentives.
“Accountability provides us with the opportunity to present our results to our host country and additionally, it is a good time to receive feedback from MAG and producers, to listen to their demands, to review what we have done and to redirect our actions if necessary”, said the Director-General of IICA.
Arvelo, IICA Representative in Costa Rica, stated that during the last four years this organization has invested nearly USD 2 million into the country. In 2014, 37% more resources were allocated than in the previous year.
“We intend to cooperate in order to address the challenges of agricultural development facing MAG and the actors in the sector”, he said.
Among the main actions taken by IICA in Costa Rica during 2014 is supporting the modernization of the National Production Council (CNP), as well as the management of the National Liquor Factory (FANAL) and the strengthening of mechanisms that facilitate the access of small and medium scale producers to markets.
He also highlighted support provided for the process of transforming the former Institute of Agrarian Development in the Rural Development Institute (INDER) and for the Rural Youth Policy.
Other actions included capacity building for the use of genetic material from corn and beans adapted to climate variability, as well as agricultural health and food safety.
This latter action targeted staff members and technical personnel of the Ministries of Health and Economy, Industry and Trade, National Animal Health Service (SENASA), the State Phytosanitary Service (SFE) and the private sector.
Additionally, this activity highlighted several tasks related to IICA’s work in the coming months, such as supporting the development of programs to ensure the sustainability and quality of seeds and formulating marketing strategies for small producers.
Más información:
miguel.arvelo@iica.int