U.S. delegation visits IICA to strengthen agricultural cooperation
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, Sept. 1, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- A high-level delegation from the United States recently visited the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) headquarters in Costa Rica, marking a significant step in strengthening agricultural cooperation across the Americas. The visit, led by key U.S. officials including Ambassador Lynda C. Blanchard and U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica, Melinda Hildebrand, aligns with ongoing institutional reforms spearheaded by IICA’s Director General, Muhammad Ibrahim.
The meeting, which covered a range of topics including global food security, regional emergency response, and interagency cooperation, underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to address agricultural challenges in the Western Hemisphere. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Laken Rapier highlighted the strategic partnership between IICA and the U.S., emphasizing the role of science-based policies and international standards in supporting American farmers.
Ambassador Blanchard proposed a closer partnership between IICA and the United Nations' Rome-based food agencies, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the World Food Programme (WFP). "To unlock greater trade opportunities and safeguard our food supply, the Americas and the Caribbean must unite around agricultural policies grounded in sound science," she stated. "By strengthening collaboration between IICA, FAO, and other organizations, and eliminating redundant efforts, we can support American farmers through science-based international standards, cutting-edge biotechnology, and robust plant and animal health defenses."
Ambassador Hildebrand, noting the United States' substantial contribution to IICA, highlighted the organization’s role in improving the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities. "My visit to IICA headquarters reflects the value of an America First diplomatic agenda that delivers tangible security and economic results for the American taxpayer while ensuring stable, resilient agricultural supply chains across the hemisphere," she said. The U.S. ambassador expressed a commitment to further engagement with IICA to address critical threats to agriculture in the region, such as New World Screwworm and African Swine Fever.
Director General Ibrahim, who has been driving reforms since taking office, emphasized the significance of the delegation’s visit. "IICA exists to serve its Member States, and that means becoming faster, more focused, and more accountable every day. The reforms underway are sharpening our role as the Agricultural Agency of the Americas, delivering real results for our Member States, not duplicated bureaucracy," he stated.
The partnership between the United States and IICA dates back to the institute’s founding in 1942, under the vision of then U.S. Vice President Henry A. Wallace, with the United States among its original member states. Today, the relationship continues through a reformed, results-driven IICA, aimed at addressing the unique needs of the Western Hemisphere with the urgency they demand.
While the U.S. delegation's visit signifies a commitment to enhanced cooperation, it also reflects the ongoing efforts by IICA to streamline its operations and maximize its impact across the region.