Exciting developments are underway in the international dairy industry as the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) renew their partnership. This renewal builds on a successful four-year collaboration, focusing on harmonizing science-based standards related to food and agriculture.
USDEC, spearheaded by Krysta Harden, views Latin America as an essential trading partner. The council is keen on working together to address mutual concerns and eliminate barriers to dairy trade. Trips to Mexico and Costa Rica have underscored the importance of such collaborations, cementing the partnership's extension with IICA.
Welcoming the partnership, Manuel Otero, Director General of IICA, highlighted the organization's long-standing mission since 1942. With 34 member countries, IICA is dedicated to fostering agricultural development and rural well-being. The institution values the commitment of USDEC, representing farmers and manufacturers, to ensuring food security worldwide.
The MOU between USDEC and IICA is comprehensive, organizing several objectives. It supports the development of science-based regulations through national capacity building and participation in international forums. The commitment extends to enhancing collaboration between various stakeholders to highlight the crucial role of livestock in the global food system. Sharing best practices for sustainable productivity growth is also on the agenda.