San Jose, 19 February 2025 (IICA) – The Secretary of Agriculture and Land Stewardship of Iowa, Mike Naig, visited the Headquarters of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) alongside agricultural producers and representatives of food companies from that state. They listened to presentations and exchanged information and experiences with IICA technical specialists on the use of new technologies, the potential of biofuels and the role of international trade.
The visitors were introduced to IICA’s technical cooperation in the Americas in matters related to biotechnology, biosafety, bioethanol and other biofuels, including the development of regulatory frameworks, programs to foster work in these areas, and training initiatives.
Agricultural and livestock production is one of the pillars of Iowa’s economy. Naig, who holds degrees in biology and political science and was raised in a family of farmers, has served as Secretary since 2018. He was welcomed at IICA by its Director General, Manuel Otero, with whom he reviewed the continent’s agricultural agenda.
IICA Deputy Director General Lloyd Day provided a general overview of IICA’s work. Naig attended technical presentations delivered by Agustín Torroba, International Biofuels Specialist, and Pedro Rocha, International Biotechnology and Biosafety Specialist.
Tour in Costa Rica and Guatemala
The Iowan producers are participating in a trade tour through Costa Rica and Guatemala, two Central American countries with which they have had a relationship for several years.
The delegation included representatives of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Corn Promotion Board, Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Pork Producers Association and Iowa Soybean Association.
“It is great to bring soybean, corn, pork and beef producers to Central America. Iowa is a very important production region. We are also learning about the Central American region and visiting IICA has proven very valuable because it has allowed us to engage in dialogue on issues related to our work. Iowa can consistently supply grains and protein and make contributions through technology transfer and assistance. Our farmers are strongly committed to using new technologies”, remarked Naig.
The Iowan Secretary also highlighted IICA’s role in guaranteeing the sustainable development and food security of the Americas.
“IICA fulfills a fundamental role, which is bringing science into these discussions. It has the capacity to communicate the importance of these issues and to translate dialogue into action. The Institute also plays a key role in making these new technologies accessible to producers and in providing trustworthy information”, he stated.
About IICA
IICA is the specialized agency for agriculture in the Inter-American system, with a mission to encourage, promote and support its 34 Member States in their efforts to achieve agricultural development and rural well-being through international technical cooperation of excellence.
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