Chief agricultural negotiator of the U.S. supports IICA actions to promote agricultural trade and the sustainability of small-scale producers in the Americas

San Jose, 8 May 2024 (IICA) - The actions of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) to promote agricultural trade and the resilience and sustainability of small-scale producers, as well as its position in international cooperation discussions, is vital for the development of agricultural markets in the hemisphere, said Doug McKalip, Chief Agricultural Negotiator of the Office of the United States Trade Representative, during a visit to IICA Headquarters in Costa Rica.

McKalip stressed that the Institute's work in the Americas aligns with the objectives of the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and affirmed that the defense of sustainable trade in international debates is key to guaranteeing the success of small-scale producers in the region.

During his visit to San Jose, the U.S. Government official met with the Director General of IICA, Manuel Otero, and the Deputy Director General, Lloyd Day, among other Institute authorities.

“This is an opportunity for us to discuss how we all benefit from trade, how we can ensure that even the smallest farmers benefit from it, and how we can increase the number of commodities that flow in both directions to help build rural economies”, McKalip said.

Manuel Otero commented that IICA has a network of partners that allows it to develop technical support agendas for the agrifood sector in the Americas, so the approach with USTR opens a door to the search for actions that promote greater participation of producers in international markets.

“In the face of current commercial challenges, IICA partnerships enable initiatives in favor of agrifood systems, in which support projects based on science and technology help to promote the sustainable development of producers”, stated the Director General of IICA.

Lloyd Day added that in order to provide support to producers, actions must be based on science.

“IICA and the USTR have become key partners for the development of agrifood systems in the region, providing alternatives to the challenges presented by climate change”, he highlighted.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is responsible for developing and coordinating the international trade, commodities, and direct investment policies of the United States, as well as overseeing negotiations with other countries.

The head of the USTR is the United States Trade Representative, a member of the cabinet who acts as the chief trade advisor, negotiator and spokesman for the president of that country on trade issues.

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