Brazilian Fernando Camargo takes office as IICA’s new Representative in Argentina, at a ceremony attended by two ministers

BUENOS AIRES, 30 June 2022 (IICA) - Fernando Camargo, former Secretary of Innovation, Rural Development and Irrigation of the Ministry of Agriculture of Brazil, took office as the new Representative of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) in Argentina, at a ceremony attended by a large delegation from the Brazilian government, led by two ministers.

In attendance at the swearing-in ceremony, held at the IICA Delegation in Buenos Aires, were the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA) of Brazil, Marcos Montes; the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of Brazil, Paulo Alvim; the Ambassador of Brazil in Argentina, Reinaldo Salgado; the Director General of IICA, Manuel Otero; and the outgoing IICA Representative in Argentina, Caio Rocha.

In this new position, Camargo will seek to strengthen Mercosur’s agricultural agenda and integration between Argentina and Brazil, South America’s top two food producers. Camargo, who holds degrees in Law and Public Administration, as well as a Master’s in Business Management, has extensive experience in the public sector, particularly in agricultural matters.

“IICA has already demonstrated its leading role in agriculture in the hemisphere, in terms of improving productivity, sustainability, trade and food security, which is why an important delegation is in attendance at this event in Buenos Aires. Countries of the Americas must demonstrate that they have a shared mission, and work together to pursue it”, said Minister Montes.

Otero, in turn, highlighted the fact that two Brazilian ministers had taken part in the swearing-in ceremony of the Institute’s new representative in Argentina. “IICA’s network of 34 offices in all countries of the hemisphere enables it to work closely with farmers and ministers. IICA’s agenda is the ministers’ agenda”, he remarked.

“The hemisphere has a key role to play in addressing the current issue of food insecurity. Brazil and Argentina are South America’s leading countries in terms of agricultural development, which is why the world is watching our region”, he added.

Fernando Camargo emphasized the fact that the current global circumstances, with overlapping crises that have altered food supply chains and impacted prices, puts a heavy burden on Argentina, Brazil and all other countries in the region to sustain food security.

“Sustainability is crucial, which is why our region must take on a leading role and be ready to engage in dialogue with the rest of the world at the upcoming Climate Change Conference, to be held in Egypt in November”, he concluded.

More information:
Institutional Communication Division.
comunicacion.institucional@iica.int