2 years ago
One of the major challenges facing many Commonwealth countries is the global food crisis and rising prices. Yesterday, the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation on key agricultural and fishing challenges facing the Commonwealth Caribbean and deepening digital digital cooperation in agriculture.
The memorandum was signed by Commonwealth Secretary-General Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, QC and IICA Director-General, Manuel Otero.
Through this partnership, both organizations aim to support Commonwealth Caribbean countries to make better use of digitalization to increase food production, to achieve agricultural and fishery development, including trade and investment, and rural well-being across the region.
At a notable signing ceremony, the Scottish Secretary-General stated: “In uncertain times, strengthening regional and international co-operation is essential. If we are to build resilience of the most vulnerable members of our Commonwealth family, then we must work together to address what may seem to be major climate change challenges and food security threats. I am pleased that IICA and the Commonwealth Secretariat are working together to address these challenges. "
IICA Director-General Manuel Otero said: “Caribbean countries are critical to ensuring world food security. At IICA we are committed to supporting the development of strong, innovative, inclusive and profitable agriculture where new generations have the opportunity to provide for their families with dignity and produce prosperity in their communities.
Some areas of cooperation include:
Climate-resilient agriculture and fishing
Increasing Productivity and Competition
Trade and Investment Opportunities
Access to Weather Finance
Empowering users and sharing information with farmers and fishermen
Building the Skills of Small, Medium and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
Digital Agriculture and Digital Fisheries (Allows for the transformation of smallholder agriculture and artisanal fisheries)
Currently, there are 13 IICA members out of 56 Commonwealth members and all Commonwealth countries in the United States belong to IICA. Inspired by the Commonwealth Secretariat's Connectivity Agenda (CCA) and IICA, these partnerships will help build the work of both inclusive and sustainable future organizations.
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