Over 40 prominent companies within the U.S. agriculture and food sectors have voiced strong backing for the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), highlighting its pivotal role “as a strategic and vital ally in their efforts to expand exports, strengthen science-based trade regulations, and protect animal health for the benefit of farmers.”
An IICA press release said that in a virtual meeting with IICA’s Director General, Manuel Otero, representatives from these organizations conveyed their endorsement of the Institute. They also reportedly dispatched a letter to senior U.S. officials—including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer—appreciating IICA’s efficiency and transparency. The letter commended the organization’s tangible achievements in curbing the transmission of plant and animal diseases in the Americas and its fruitful collaboration with the private sector.
According to the release, the companies emphasized that IICA exemplifies an effective model among international bodies, particularly for its commitment to fostering public–private partnerships.
“They especially valued IICA’s avoidance of unnecessary bureaucracy and its direct work with industry to promote solutions,” said the statement.
During the discussion, industry representatives highlighted IICA’s vital role in forging partnerships that promote science-driven transformation, establish clear trade protocols, and create economic opportunities for farmers. They also pointed out IICA’s importance in counteracting efforts by some countries to impose trade barriers through regulations in multilateral settings.
Additionally, the companies stressed IICA’s leadership in establishing risk-based sanitary and phytosanitary systems and resisting politicized standards, which are essential for protecting rural economies and ensuring food security amid threats like African swine fever and the New World screwworm.
Manuel Otero reaffirmed IICA’s dedication to building authentic partnerships, emphasizing that the organization belongs not just to member states but also to farmers, the private sector, and stakeholders. He highlighted IICA’s work in supporting early detection and information campaigns in collaboration with the USDA. Otero also underscored IICA’s mission to advocate for agriculture’s vital role in achieving food security and sustainability, stating, “Agriculture is not the villain, but the solution.”
Participants in the meeting included representatives from notable organizations such as the American Farm Bureau Federation, Bayer, Cargill, U.S. Dairy Export Council, and Pepsico, among others, reflecting broad industry support for IICA’s endeavors.