Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture

Agricultural markets Agriculture Agroindustry Biotechnology Knowledge management

Partnering to improve productivity and environmental sustainability for small-holder farmers

Tiempo de lectura: 3 mins.

The agreement will accommodate sharing of knowledge and innovations, agricultural exchanges and joint research internships to respond to the increasing productivity challenges being faced by farmers across the hemisphere.  The agreement will accommodate sharing of knowledge and innovations, agricultural exchanges and joint research internships to respond to the increasing productivity challenges being faced by farmers across the hemisphere.  The agreement will accommodate sharing of knowledge and innovations, agricultural exchanges and joint research internships to respond to the increasing productivity challenges being faced by farmers across the hemisphere.  

Members of Fertilizer Canada, as well as other partners such as CDF, AAFC, GAC, Embassy of Paraguay, CFA, Grain Growers of Canada and IPNI, were invited to witness the signing.

OTTAWA, ON – Smallholder farmers in the Americas stand to benefit from a technology package designed for a  more sustainable and productive agriculture, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Fertilizer Canada and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) today.

Degraded soils, drought, extreme environmental events are some of the factors contributing to less than optimal yields, quality and competitiveness of agricultural commodities in many parts of the Americas.   Good Agricultural Practices including prudent management of land and water resources continue to hold the key to improved productivity. IICA Representative in Canada, Dr. Audia Barnett observed that “the agreement demonstrates the value of IICA as a bridge for sharing and accessing solutions and opportunities within its member countries”.

The 4R Nutrient Stewardship is an internationally-recognized best management practice (BMP) framework with four key pillars for fertilizer application: Right Source @ Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place®. This science-based approach helps growers understand how efficient fertilizer application improves profitability while reducing nutrient losses to the environment. 

According to Garth Whyte, President & CEO of Fertilizer Canada, “4R Nutrient Stewardship is well-suited for adoption by smallholder farmers by offering proven best management practices that can increase crop yields and profitability.”

Through joint programming, resource mobilisation and shared learning, Fertilizer Canada and IICA will work with the 4R Nutrient Stewardship for sustainable nutrient management in the Americas towards improved food-security and livelihoods for smallholder farmers.

 

The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) is the specialized agency of the Inter-American System for the promotion of agriculture and rural well-being, and our efforts are fully focused on making agriculture competitive and sustainable in the Americas.

Fertilizer Canada represents manufacturers, wholesale and retail distributors of nitrogen, phosphate, potash and sulphur fertilizers. The association is committed to supporting the fertilizer industry with innovative research and programming while advocating sustainability, stewardship, safety and security through standards and Codes of Practice. Please visit fertilizercanada.ca.

 

For further information, please contact:

Audia Barnett
audia.barnett@iica.int

Share

Related news​

San José, Costa Rica

June 5, 2025

At IICA, Costa Rican cacao producers are recognized for the excellence of their products and for their contribution to rural development and nutrition in the region

Experts analyzed 15 samples of cacao from various parts of the Central American country, with the five that received the highest scores then declared winners of the 2025 competition. The same five samples were sent to Rome, Italy, where they will represent Costa Rica in the international “Cacao of Excellence” competition, the stepping stone to the International Cocoa Awards.

Tiempo de lectura: 3mins

Turrialba, Costa Rica

June 3, 2025

On a study visit to Costa Rica, ministers of Agriculture, rural youth and women of the Eastern Caribbean were introduced to improved agricultural practices

The mission began with two days of activities at IICA Headquarters in San Jose, including meeting with the IICA Director General, Manuel Otero. The visitors then travelled to CATIE.

Tiempo de lectura: 3mins

San José, Costa Rica

June 2, 2025

Ibero-America sees biofuels as a solution to decarbonize the energy sector  

The annual meeting of the Ibero-American Association of Energy Regulators (ARIAE), held in San Jose and Guanacaste, Costa Rica, featured the II Entrepreneurial Forum, attracting 200 participants, including the Costa Rican Minister of Environment and Energy, the Executive Secretary of the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE) and authorities of the Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB); the XV Regular Annual Meeting of the ARIAE General Assembly, which was attended by 17 regulatory agencies of ARIAE; and the XXVI Annual Meeting of ARIAE Energy Regulators.

Tiempo de lectura: 3mins