Cooperation among governments, producers, and other stakeholders will be crucial for the long-term success of the agriculture sector across the Americas and globally, according to discussions at the recent Americas Agriculture and Food Security Forum. The event, hosted by Olds College of Agriculture & Technology in Alberta, Canada, brought together over 200 delegates from various countries, with many more participating online.
The forum, organized by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), featured panel discussions on international cooperation, trade, science, innovation, agriculture technology, sustainability, and profitability for farmers. Notable participants included Mexico’s Ambassador to Canada, Carlos Manuel Joaquin Gonzalez, who emphasized the importance of collaboration in food trade. “Trade in food is not competition, it is cooperation and it is also about people,” he said, highlighting the opportunity for the Americas to lead a transformation in food systems.
The North American Trade and Markets panel discussion also featured insights from Mary Ellen Smith, Agricultural Minister Counselor for the United States Department of Agriculture. Smith stressed the need to focus on productive collaboration and minimizing distractions. “We have a lot of interest in getting along and making sure things work out,” she said. “Let’s focus on feeding the world.”
The forum’s discussions underscored the necessity of international cooperation in addressing global food security challenges. Delegates had the opportunity to tour Olds College’s Smart Farm, a high-tech living laboratory showcasing innovative agricultural technologies. The event was supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development and sponsored by various Canadian and international agri-food sector partners.
The implications of the forum are significant. As the global population continues to grow, the demand for food will increase, making international cooperation and innovation in agriculture more important than ever. The discussions at Olds College highlighted the potential for the Americas to lead in this area, with policies that not only enhance food security but also promote equity and peace.
Todd Ormann, vice-president of external relations and research at Olds College, summed up the sentiment of the forum: “There’s no way we would be able to feed the world like we do today if it wasn’t for global cooperation.” This statement underscores the critical role that collaborative efforts play in ensuring food security and sustainability for the future.