Ottawa-There is a strong need for a new narrative highlighting the essential role of agriculture in the Americas as being part of the solution to the challenges facing humanity, says Manuel Otero, Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).
The narrative must show the true current face of the region’s agriculture, linked to science, technology, economic and social development and conservation, he told World Conference of the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA 2025).
“Our time has come. We can offer a new image of the agricultural sector in the Americas, with new public policies in favor of producers, innovation and nature. IICA, through strategic alliances, is committed to training a new generation of leaders for the transformation of agriculture,” Otero said.
The Americas contribute 23 per cent of the world’s agricultural production, 29 per cent of food exports and is a leader in essential crops such as soy, sugar, coffee, corn, beef, and poultry, among others. In addition, it is home to 50 per cent of the world’s known biodiversity.
The new narrative must leave behind the old claims some critics insist on presenting, which link agriculture with poverty and pollution. “As a result of this type of storytelling, less than five per cent of global climate finance is allocated to the activity, among other negative consequences.
“A new narrative for agriculture must be constructive, forward-looking and focused on opportunities. The context of today’s agriculture shows us a sector strongly linked to science and technology, which is part of the solution to global challenges. Agriculture in the Americas must be recognized as a strategic platform to create economic, social and environmental value.”
The agriculture sector needs to show its successes without hiding unresolved challenges, which include the persistence of more than 50 million people who suffer hunger in the region.
More than 100 million people work in the agricultural and agri-food sector of the Americas and its food systems represent up to 25 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product in some countries. He also spoke about the need to consistently communicate that agriculture in the Americas produces food while generating environmental benefits, since soil and forests act as carbon sinks and their ecosystems support water and oxygen cycles. The sector is also contributing to the global energy transition, based on the strength of its biofuel production.
“The construction of a new narrative is an ongoing process, vital for the future of food systems, for which IICA has convened key actors. It must be implemented through a new generation of science-based public policies that empower producers as agents of change. It is also essential to collaborate with the public sector, private sector, academia, and other actors. Another key element is the training of a new generation of leaders strongly committed to innovation and sustainability, who connect local realities with global agendas.” Otero said.
The conference is one of the largest global in the agricultural sector with about 600 participants from more than 50 countries.
This news item prepared for National Newswatch