iica office in usa newsletter - april -june 2014
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IICA Office in the USA Newsletter
Welcome to the new edition of the
Newsletter from the IICA Office in the USA!
Allow me to start this Newsletter by thanking David Hatch for the years in which he served as the Representative of IICA in
the USA. David joined IICA in 2008 and during all these years he has served as Associate Deputy Director General, Director
of Strategic Partnerships, and IICA Representative in the United States. Since joining IICA, David has taken a very active
role in promoting agricultural insurance in the hemisphere. He currently leads this effort and is widely recognized as an ex-
pert in the field and for elevating IICA to be an important partner to governments and the private sector in developing sound
insurance programs. Thanks to his efforts as Representative to the United States, IICA is widely recognized in the political
and economic environment of Washington. As he takes a new challenge at the helm of the human resources division of the
Institute I would like to thank him for his leadership and wish him the best of luck!
The last three months have been exciting times for the Office, starting by the designation of a new representative, the
strengthening of our technical team and followed by the approval of our Institute´s new Medium Term Plan (MTP) 2014 -
2018 which sets the objectives and principles for our work during the next four years.
The new MTP stresses the importance for IICA to become a result oriented institution. To achieve this purpose the Institute
will organize its cooperation efforts by a system of projects and rapid response actions. Four “flagship” projects aimed to
increase competitiveness, improve sustainability, increase social inclusion in rural areas and improve food security in our
country members by improving family agriculture, will serve as the backbone for our cooperation efforts. These projects ad-
dress relevant and challenging issues for agriculture in the hemisphere and are designed to align and focus our cooperation
at all levels, and to develop new innovative instruments for technical cooperation.
The newly approved MTP continue to strengthen IICA commitment to serve our countries with efficiency and efficacy, and to
respond to critical and urgent issues at the country level. To do this the institute will articulate “Rapid Response Actions” that
will bring together technical expertise across the institute and which will provide timely and opportune responses to the
needs of IICA´s country members.
IICA will continue to strive for innovation and to do so, the Institute will continue to use the Technical Cooperation Fund, as a
competitive mechanism, to attract further resources to the institute, but primarily to detonate innovative solution to today's
challenges.
To achieve all this, IICA will continue to strengthen its human capacity and to streamline and modernize its administrative
processes.
The IICA Office in the USA is committed to play a leading role in the implementation of this new MTP. The future is promis-
ing and exciting.
Miguel García-Winder, IICA Representative in the USA,
Head of Center for Strategic Analysis for Agriculture (CAESPA)
April – June 2014
About the Team
As a first step to reposition the IICA Office in the USA, and to make better
use of our resources and quotas, the Director General has made a special
commitment to strengthen the technical and administrative capacities of
this office to cover all the areas of work defined in the Medium Term Plan.
To this end the Office has a team of highly qualified and committed pro-
fessionals in the areas of: Agribusiness and Trade, Food Safety, Food
Security and Risk Analysis, Technological Innovation, Climate Change
and Climate Smart Agriculture and Policy and Econometric Analysis. The
professionals conforming this team have extensive technical expertise
and possess a profound understanding of the challenges and opportuni-
ties for agriculture in our Hemisphere, which will allow us to translate and
interpret needs and demands in concrete ideas and proposals.
Team in the IICA Office in USA
Miguel García-Winder - IICA Representative in the United States of
America
Alfredo Valerio - Technical Assistant and Information Systems Spe-
cialist
Daniel Rodríguez - Specialist in Agribusiness and Commercialization
Edmi Ramos - Executive Assistant
Eugenia Salazar - Research Assistant
Hortensia Mathó - Administrative Assistant
Hugo Chavarría - Specialist in Quantitative and Sectoral Analysis
Joaquín Arias Segura - Specialist in Policy and Risk Analysis
Kelly Witkowski - Agriculture & Climate Change Specialist
Kristyn Nanlal Khetia - Consultant
Marcos Sánchez - Specialist in Food Safety
Priscila Henríquez - Specialist in Management of Technology and
Innovation / Executive Secretary for PROCINORTE & FONTAGRO
Silvio Morales - Administrative Clerk
Meet the Team
Miguel Garcia-Winder joined IICA in 2002. Since joining IICA, he has served as the Director of
Trade and Agribusiness, Director of Agribusiness competitiveness, Director for the Agribusiness
and Commercialization Program and currently is serving as IICA Representative to USA and Head
of the Center for Strategic Analysis for Agriculture. He is committed to strengthen the role of agri-
culture in development and to improve the livelihood conditions of agricultural producers. The posi-
tive impact of these programs has been the result of the combined efforts of Dr. Garcia-Winder and
a team of hemispheric professionals. Miguel holds an undergraduate degree in Agriculture with
minor in Animal Science from the National School of Agriculture in Mexico, a Master’s Degree in Animal Science from the Uni-
versity of Nebraska, and a PhD in Physiology of Reproduction from the University of West Virginia.
Alfredo Valerio joined IICA in 1988. Since joining IICA, he has been working in a broad range of positions in
the area of Information Systems where he has developed and implemented a series of web based and mul-
timedia applications to streamline IICA activities and to improve administrative processes. Alfredo holds a B.
Sc. in Animal Science and a Master´s Degree in Computer Sciences with emphasis in Information Systems
from the Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica. He has authored and coauthored more than 14 publications.
Daniel Rodríguez has been associated with IICA since 1997 and appointed to an international profes-
sional post in 2003. Since joining IICA, he has worked in the area of agribusiness, focusing in develop-
ing innovative alternatives to link farmers to markets, to develop of export capabilities in medium and
small size agro-entrepreneurs and for the identification and understanding of export-import regulations
that affect international trade of agri-food products. Daniel holds an undergraduate degree in Agronomy
with a concentration on Agricultural Economics (Universidad de Costa Rica) and a Master’s degree in
Business Administration with emphasis in Marketing. He has authored and coauthored several articles and documents in his
area of expertise.
Edmi Ramos joined IICA in 2011. Since joining IICA, her main responsibility has been to provide ad-
ministrative and logistic support to the IICA Office in the United States and to the IICA Representa-
tive. Edmi holds a B. Sc. in Economics from the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM)
with additional studies in Economic Analysis (ITAM). Her areas of professional expertise include
Agriculture (Fideicomisos Instituidos en Relación a la Agricultura-FIRA), Finance (Corporate Finan-
cial Asset Executive-Banamex) and Real Estate (Century 21). She has also worked as an independ-
ent consultant, treasurer of several organizations and volunteer.
Dr. Miguel García Winder, IICA Representative in the United States / Head of CAESPA Email: [email protected]
Alfredo Valerio, Information Systems Specialist and Technical Assistant of the IICA Office in USA Email: [email protected]
Daniel Rodríguez, Specialist in Agribusiness and Commercialization Email: [email protected]
Edmi Ramos, Executive Assistant to the Representative Email: [email protected]
Meet the Team
Eugenia Salazar joined IICA in 2008. Since joining IICA, she has dedicated her time to work on the analy-
sis of economic and agricultural data and developing country profiles for IICA´s member countries contain-
ing macroeconomic, trade, production and food security indicators. She has also been part of a multidisci-
plinary group working on the strategic analysis of agriculture for the Americas, which produces a jointly IICA
-FAO-ECLAC interagency report on perspectives for agriculture in the Americas. Eugenia holds a B. Sc. in
Economics from the University of Costa Rica and has specialized in the application of econometric models
and in the use and administration of agricultural and trade information systems. Eugenia is currently based
at IICA´s headquarters in San José, Costa Rica.
Hortensia Mathó joined IICA in 1982. Since joining IICA she has devoted her time to ensure the proper appli-
cation of IICA´s administrative procedures and currently serves as an Administrative Assistant to the Repre-
sentative. Additionally Hortensia provides finance and budgetary support for all office activities as well as for
the management of externally funded projects. Her work is essential for the recognition of IICA as a results
oriented and transparent institution.
Hugo Chavarría joined IICA in 2000. Since joining IICA, he has worked on the development and application
of methodologies for monitoring agriculture and rural life, as well as in the preparation of technical studies
on international trade, rural poverty, food security and competitiveness. Hugo holds a B.Sc. in Economics
from the Universidad de Costa Rica and a M.Sc. in Management of International Trade from CINPE, Univer-
sidad Nacional de Costa Rica. He has published more than 15 articles and documents on these topics. Hu-
go is currently based at IICA´s headquarters in San José, Costa Rica.
Joaquín Arias Segura joined IICA in 1996. Since joining IICA, he has served as a Trade and Policy Analyst
Specialist, both at Headquarters and in the Andean and Northern Region where he has acquired firsthand
experience on issues affecting small and family producers. He is currently continuing to emphasize his
work on Policy and Risk Analysis at hemispheric and global levels. Joaquín has more than 20 years of ex-
perience, conducting research and providing technical cooperation to Latin American countries, in the fields
of international trade, agribusiness, food security, risk analysis and policy impact analysis. He completed
his undergraduate studies at the University of Costa Rica and holds a Master’s and PhD in Agricultural Eco-
nomics from Oklahoma State University, in the United States. He has authored and coauthored several
articles in peer reviewed journals in the areas of his expertise.
Eugenia Salazar, Research Assistant Email: [email protected]
Hortensia Mathó, Administrative Assistant Email: [email protected]
Hugo Chavarría, Specialist in Quantitative and Sectorial Analysis Email: [email protected]
Dr. Joaquín Arias Segura, Specialist in Policy and Risk Analysis Email: [email protected]
Meet the Team
Kelly Witkowski joined IICA in 2012. Since joining IICA as Agriculture and Climate Change Specialist she has
worked to ensure the agricultural sector is capable of addressing climate change and sustainably managing natural
capital by implementing training courses and workshops, providing technical support, writing technical notes, and
developing and strengthening alliances with strategic partners. Kelly holds a dual Master's Degree in Natural Re-
sources and International Affairs with a concentration in Sustainable Development from American University and
the University for Peace in Costa Rica. She has undergraduate degrees in biology and anthropology from Franklin
& Marshall College.
Kristyn Nanlal Khetia has been associated with IICA since 2007. Her work includes conducting research on agri-
cultural and emerging issues, identifying potential technical and financial strategic partners for the institute, com-
piling and disseminating news, bulletins and newsletters, providing support in preparing reports, and managing
the office website with relevant content. She holds an undergraduate degree in International Studies with a mi-
nor in Political Science.
Marcos Sánchez joined IICA in 2009. Since joining IICA, he has worked to strengthen the institutional framework
and the human capacity of IICA´s member countries in areas related to quality assurance and safety of foods, pro-
cessing of meat and poultry, development of processed products food safety programs (GMPs, HACCP) and mi-
crobiological risk assessment. He is recognized as a leading expert in these fields where he has authored and co-
authored more than 20 publications. Marcos is also an active technical speaker at international fora and confer-
ences in his area of expertise. Marcos holds a B.Sc in Biochemistry from the Central University of Ecuador, a de-
gree in Business Administration (MBA), a M.Sc. degree in Food Science and Technology and a Ph.D degree in
Food Science and Technology, all from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Priscila Henríquez joined IICA in 2005. Since joining IICA, she has been providing leadership in the manage-
ment of projects and new partnerships for the Regional Fund for Agricultural Technology (FONTAGRO) and the
Cooperative Program in Agricultural Research and Technology for the Northern Region (PROCINORTE), as
well as providing support to the implementation of projects in agricultural innovation to other areas and partners
of the Institute. Priscila holds a B.Sc. in agronomy from the Universidad Politécnica de El Salvador, a M.Sc in
Entomology from the University of Alberta, Canada and a Ph.D in plant pathology from the University of Green-
wich, England. She also holds a degree in business administration from the National University of El Salvador.
Priscila has published several documents related to technological innovation and research management and evaluation, science
and technology and sustainable management of agrobiodiversity.
Silvio Morales joined IICA in 1996. He works closely with the Executive Assistant and Administrative Assistant to
support the team of professionals assigned to this office, providing logistic support.
Kelly Witkowski, Agriculture and Climate Change Specialist Email: [email protected]
Kristyn Nanlal Khetia, Consultant Email: [email protected]
Marcos Sánchez, Food Safety Specialist Email: [email protected]
Dr. Priscila Henríquez, Specialist in the Management of Technological Innovation Email: [email protected]
Silvio Morales, Administrative Clerk Email: [email protected]
Given the New US Farm Bill: LAC’s Agricultural Sector could be more Competitive with Risk Management Policies
Following enactment of the US Farm Bill, Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries should reflect on the need to design simi-
lar instruments to support a sector that faces more risks than other sectors of the economy and to create greater long-term institu-
tional stability and legal security.
According to a technical note prepared by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agricul-
ture (IICA) and sent to ministers of agriculture of the Americas by the organization’s Director Gen-
eral, Victor M. Villalobos, the new regulations could in principle favor the net commodity importing
countries by lowering the cost of food for domestic markets.
The measures approved in the US Agricultural Act, which was signed into law by President
Barack Obama in February, revokes direct and counter-cyclical payments included in the previous
act, while creating new programs that offer farmers coverage against variations in prices and rev-
enues, and to boost agricultural insurance and insurance against natural disasters, which become
the cornerstone of agriculture risk management in the U.S.
The technical note prepared by IICA also notes that the new regulations address emerging issues, providing specific support to
promote rural enterprises, the creation of products with more value added, attract young people to the countryside and increase
organic production, among others, as they constitute challenges for the development and future sustainability of agriculture that
have also become apparent in LAC.
More information
Technical note:The Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 U.S. Farm Bill) and its Impact on Agriculture in Latin America and the Caribbean.
For further information: [email protected]
Technical Note
Investment in 8 Key Areas Would Enable LAC to Realize Potential of its Agriculture The document’s authors propose that the policies needed to attract more investment to agriculture in LAC and increase the region’s contribution to world food security should focus on efforts to: Boost the advance of
agricultural science, re-search and development.
Improve the transfer of knowledge to producers and modernize agricultur-al extension systems and services.
Promote and create frameworks that offer legal security, to attract investment in infrastruc-ture for the agricultural sector.
Support irrigation, water management and tech-nology.
Promote, enhance and facilitate regional and global trade.
Improve farmers’ access to financial services: man-aging risk and the availa-bility of credit.
Strengthen cooperatives and producer associa-tions.
Reduce post-harvest losses.
Panelists discussing “Increasing Investments in LAC Agriculture” in Washington D.C.
IICA's Director General Participated in a Panel Discussion at the Launch of a New Report on Investing in Agriculture in LAC The design of policies and greater investment in eight priority areas would enable Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) to raise agricultural productivity, meet its own food and nutrition needs, and help meet the burgeoning world demand for food, fiber and fuel, according to a report unveiled on May 13th, 2014, in Washington D.C. The document, entitled The Next Global Breadbasket: How Latin America Can Feed the World, was published by the Global Harvest Initiative (GHI) –a partnership of organiza-tions that includes the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA)– and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Working with the GHI, the IDB and other international organizations, IICA contributed to the production of this new report on agriculture in LAC that underscores the region’s importance as a global breadbasket. A panel discussion on “Increasing Investments in LAC Agriculture” was organized by the IDB and the GHI in Washington, D.C. to unveil this report. The discussion was moderat-ed by Dr. Margaret Zeigler, Executive Director, GHI and other panelists joining IICA’s Director General included Eduardo Bastos, Government Affairs Leader, Dow, Ricardo Sanchez, Director of Sustainable Food Security, The Nature Conservancy and Philippe Villers, President, GrainPro. The participants discussed and highlighted the recommen-dations made in the report and outlined some priority actions that should be implement-ed. “One of the major challenges for the region is the need to transform family and small-holder farming into a competitive and sustainable form of agriculture, capable of achiev-ing increased food production and a substantial improvement in the income and quality of life of producers,” observed the Director General of IICA, Víctor M. Villalobos, during the panel discussion. More information
View video of event
New report: The Next Global Breadbasket: How Latin America Can Feed the World.
For further information: [email protected]
IICA Pledged to Continue Offering Verifiable Re-sults of its Technical Cooperation Actions during the Presentation of its 2013 Annual Report to the OAS Permanent Council
The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) has acknowledged the
contributions made by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) to the
efforts to strengthen family farming, spur climate change adaptation in agriculture, promote food
security, advance integrated water management and raise awareness of the important role that
women and young people play in rural areas.
On May 14th, 2014, at the headquarters of the OAS in Washington D.C., the Director General of
IICA, Víctor M. Villalobos, presented the Institute’s Annual Report for 2013 to the Ambassadors
who make up the Council. The document describes the results of the nearly 500 projects and
cooperation actions implemented since 2010.
The IICA Director General also presented to the Ambassadors a report describing the principal
results achieved in each country. In his presentation, he affirmed that “The fact that cooperation must be effective is a given for an
agency like IICA. Our relevance is measured by results that you can confirm. That is my pledge to our member countries.”
IICA's contribution to agriculture in the hemisphere was widely recognized by the delegations present at the Permanent Council
More information
Read Press Release
2013 Annual Report of IICA: Summary and complete report.
For further information: [email protected]
IICA's Director General, Víctor M. Villalobos, presented the Annual Report for 2013 in OAS's Headquarters, in Washington. (Photo OAS).
Technical Note
The Director General of IICA recommended closely monitoring market signals and reviewing import and export strategies for wheat and corn. A worsening of the political crisis involving Ukraine and Russia would impact global food trade and, as a result, agriculture in the coun-tries of the Americas. According to a report produced by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). The Director General of IICA, Dr. Víctor M. Villalobos, issued a note describing the potential consequences of an aggravated crisis in Ukraine. Any reduction in the wheat and corn exports of Russia and Ukraine, two of the world’s biggest cereal producers and exporters, would affect the availability of grains in global markets and could trigger rises in international prices. However, IICA adds that as of today this has not been the case, due in part to the good crop projections from other parts of the world and to the fact that during the conflict, ports in the Ukraine and Crimea—through which the vast majority of grain is exported to world markets—have continued operating normally. The effects of a reduction in grain supplies in the world market, or an increase in prices, on the countries of the Americas , would vary depending on a number of factors, including the duration of the conflict, the size of existing inventories and the productive and commer-cial structure of each country. Countries that import large quantities of grains would be under more financial and supply pressure to meet the domestic demand, while wheat and corn exporters could benefit from higher international demand. IICA recommended that its member countries closely monitor market signals and review their import and export strategies for wheat and corn. Importing nations would have to ensure that any fluctuations do not affect their food security, while exporters could take advantage of the opportunity to obtain better prices for their harvests in international markets. Large suppliers The Black Sea region accounts for a large proportion of global wheat and corn supplies, as Russia and Ukraine are two of the world’s biggest producers and exporters. Between January and April 2014, wheat prices rose by 18% and corn prices by 12%. In the case of wheat, it was the largest increase since mid-2012. The two countries contribute nearly 13% and 14% of world corn and wheat exports, respectively. Hence, any situation that affects their production or marketing capacity is bound to have an impact on international agricultural markets. Technical Note: Potential Impact of the Russia-Ukraine Crisis on Agriculture in the Americas For more information, contact: [email protected] / [email protected]
Current Issues in USA
Climate Change
There have been many developments addressing the critical topic of Climate Change by the U.S.
Government and other think tanks in the country.
On May 6th, 2014, the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) released the Third
National Climate Assessment which has been the most comprehensive and scientific of all the
reports produced thus far. The report states how climate change has affected and is still affecting
many parts and key sectors of the country and suggests ways to adapt and mitigate it. The full
report, which has been thoroughly reviewed by scientists and technical experts and commented
on by public review can be found at: www.globalchange.gov.
On May 21st, 2014, Daniel Y. Chiu, deputy assistant secretary of defense for strategy, testified
before the Senate Appropriations Committee’s defense subcommittee stating that in fact “climate
change is among the factors Defense Department officials consider in protect national security
around the globe.” Similarly, Chui testified that, “given the nature of climate change and its ef-
fects, the U.S. response requires a whole-of-government approach and international collabora-
tion, which he called “the bedrock of our efforts.”
On May 22nd, 2014, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs held the annual Global Food Security
Symposium focused on “Advancing the Global Food Security in the Face of the Weather Volatility
& Climate Change” in Washington, D.C. During this event, the Council released a new study,
“Advancing Global Food Security in the Face of a Changing Climate” recommending ways the
United States can advance global food security in the face of climate change. As mentioned in
the Council’s official press release, “the report calls on the U.S. government to integrate climate
change adaptation into its global food security strategy and it suggests a strategic plan demon-
strating how the U.S. government can leverage its research institutions, deploy development and
trade tools, and engage with businesses to ensure there is enough nutritious food available glob-
ally.
The report recommendations include:
Passing legislation for a long-term global food and nutrition security strategy.
Increasing funding for agricultural research on climate change adaptation. Research priori-
ties should include improving crop and livestock tolerance to higher temperatures and vola-
tile weather, combating pests and disease and reducing food waste.
Collecting better data and making information on weather more widely available to farm-
ers. There are significant global data gaps right now on weather; water availability, quality,
and future requirements; crop performance; land use; and consumer preferences.
Increasing funding for partnerships between U.S. universities and universities and research
institutions in low-income countries, to train the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Advancing international action through urging that food security be addressed through the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Post-2015 Sustainable
Development Goals.”
Current Issues in USA
Combating Coffee Rust Crisis in Latin America and the Caribbean Investment of $5 Million through Partnership between USAID and Texas A&M
On May 19th, 2014, as mentioned by a USAID press release: “the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) an-
nounced a $5 million partnership with the Norman Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture at Texas A&M University to elimi-
nate coffee rust, a plant disease that has caused more than $1 billion in economic damage across Latin America and the Caribbe-
an since 2012 and seriously threatens the livelihoods and food security of those who make their living in the coffee industry, espe-
cially small farmers. The partnership will support research on rust-resistant coffee varieties, address the shortage of disease-
resistant coffee seedlings, and expand the capability of the region’s coffee institutions to monitor and respond to coffee rust.
Overall, USAID is investing $14 million in the fight against coffee rust. In addition to the World Coffee Research partnership, the
United States is:
Providing a regional emergency coffee coordinator to assist with regional coordination and disseminate best practices to com-
bat rust.
Helping to develop a coffee pest early warning system to help predict and mitigate future outbreaks.
Working with regional and global partners to identify and disseminate the most effective mitigation strategies.
Collaborating with international financial institutions and coffee companies to develop new financing opportunities for
replanting coffee trees with improved coffee varieties.”
Read USAID’s Press Release
USAID Nutrition Strategy 2014-2025
USAID Launched a 360-Degree Approach to Nutrition
On May 22nd, 2014, Ambassador Susan Rice at the 2014 Chicago Council Global Food Symposium in Washington D.C. announced the release of a new 360-degree approach to Nutrition by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This new strategy aims to improve nutrition of children and mothers and reduce the number of chronically malnourished or stunted children by at least 2 million over the next five years. As stated in USAID’s press release, “The new 360-degree approach, called the Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Strategy, will give 2 million more children a stronger start in life by integrating nutrition priorities into USAID largest programming streams—health, agriculture, and humanitarian initiatives—with a focus on results.”
“The Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Strategy commits to: Set and monitor nutrition targets, Focus on high-impact actions, Apply targeted, cost-effective solutions with private sector partners. USAID’s new approach builds on the success of the U.S. government’s Feed the Future initiative and the Global Nutrition for Growth Compact. Through Feed the Future, as well as food assistance and health programming, USAID and partners have reached more than 12.5 million children with health interventions to reduce the threat of hunger, poverty, and malnutrition in just the last year alone.” More information: Read USAID’s Press Release Read The Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Strategy 2014-2025
Ambassador Susan Rice
Current Issues in USA
2014 World Food Prize Laureate Announcement Ceremony Dr. Sanjaya Rajaram of India and Mexico honored for his critical work in wheat
On June 18th, 2014 at the U.S Department of State, the 2014 World Food Prize Laureate was announced by Secretary of
State John Kerry. The 2014 Laureate, Dr. Sanjaya Rajaram is the Director of Resource Seeds International and a consult-
ant to multiple wheat research programs. As stated in the World Food Prize press release, “Dr. Rajaram of India and Mex-
ico worked closely with Nobel Laureate Dr. Norman Borlaug and bred an impressive 480 varieties of wheat to provide nu-
tritious grains resistant to rust disease and adaptable in a vast array of climates to feed more people.”
Secretary Kerry during his keynote address stated that, “When you do the math, when our planet needs to support two
billion more people in the next three decades, it’s not hard to figure out: This is the time for a second green revolution,”
Kerry said. “That’s why Dr. Sanjaya Rajaram is being honored with the World Food Prize. We are grateful for the hun-
dreds of new species of wheat Dr. Rajaram developed, which deliver 200 million more tons of grain to global markets each
year and feed millions across the world.”
QUOTE FROM THE 2014 WORLD FOOD PRIZE LAUREATE:
“I felt highly honored to receive the news that the 2014 World Food Prize would be
awarded to me, and through me, to hundreds and thousands of wheat researchers
and farmers around the world. I believe that the challenges of 21st-century agricul-
ture and food production are surmountable compared to the past and can be over-
come provided we can bring together new knowledge and delivery systems to
farmers in a very sustainable manner. Future crop production is bound to decline
unless we fully factor in the issues related to climate change, soil fertility and wa-
ter deficits, and utilize advanced genetics in the next 20 to 30 years. It will require
all the resources from international research centers, national governments, foun-
dations, NGOs and farmer groups together to synergize future agricultural tech-
nologies and food production.” – Dr. Sanjaya Rajaram
The award will be formally presented to Dr. Sanjaya Rajaram in a ceremony at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines, Iowa,
on October 16th, 2014 during the 2014 Borlaug Dialogue: The theme for this year's event in Iowa on October 15-17th
is: 2014 Borlaug Dialogue Focuses On Greatest Challenge in Human History.
More information: http://www.worldfoodprize.org
Dr. Rajaram & Dr. Borlaug working in wheat fields in Mexico. Photo Credit: Gene Hettel
Contact Us
1889 F Street, N.W.,
Suite 360, Washington,
D.C. 20006
Phone: 202-458-3767
Fax: 202-458-6335
Website: www.iica.int/usa
Upcoming Events
August 5th- 6th, 2014 - Tuberculosis Workshop in coordination with the National Center for Animal Health (NCAH) & PROCINORTE, Na-tional Animal Disease Center, Ames, Iowa.
September 9th -11th, 2014 - GRIN-Global Workshop organized in collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, AAFC Genetic Genebank in Saskatoon, Canada.
October 15th—17th, 2014—World Food Prize and 2014 Borlaug Dia-logue – The Greatest Challenge in Human History: Can We Sustaina-bly Feed the 9 Billion Who Will Be on Our Planet by the Year 2050
IICA Office in the USA Newsletter