IICA urges strengthening of Americas' agro-food systems for global stability

The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) has urged a significant strengthening of the Americas' agro-food systems, emphasizing their critical role in global food security and stability.

"The Americas play a systemic role for the planet. What happens on the continent affects global food availability, international prices, trade flows, supply chains, energy production, and the food security of many importing countries," stated IICA Director General Muhammad Ibrahim in a press release. He stressed that the continent is not merely a major producer and exporter but a fundamental pillar of global stability in food, energy, and environmental matters.

Ibrahim presented these views during the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA) World Conference in Cork, Ireland. Data from IICA indicates that Latin America and the Caribbean is the world's largest net exporter of food, accounting for approximately 23% of global agro-food exports. The region also leads in key markets such as soybeans, corn, beef, poultry, coffee, sugar, fruits, and biofuels.

However, IICA warns that simply expanding agricultural land or increasing input use is insufficient for the future. The institute advocates for generating more value per hectare, worker, and unit of water, fertilizer, and energy. This approach aims to reduce pressure on forests, soils, water, and biodiversity. Ibrahim highlighted the crucial role of science and new technologies in enabling the region to "produce better" rather than just "produce more," and to transition from exporting raw materials to generating greater value. The challenge, he noted, is to move from isolated success stories to systemic transformation, requiring long-term investment, robust research and innovation systems, better regulations, digital infrastructure, financing, and enhanced regional cooperation.