International forum in Alberta rallies global effort against rising agricultural nationalism
An international agricultural forum, scheduled for June 16 to 17, 2023, at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology in Alberta, will mirror the concurrent G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis. The Americas Agriculture and Food Security Forum aims to rally global cooperation on pressing agricultural issues, coinciding with a time of heightened nationalistic sentiments that challenge international trade dynamics in agriculture.
Organised by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA)—a prominent agency in agricultural development and food security—the forum will feature up to 250 delegates from various nations, including Canada, Argentina, Australia, and several European countries. Additionally, there will be an online participation option for around 1,000 guests, showcasing the significance of agriculture as a unifying force in addressing global challenges.
Todd Ormann, Vice-President of External Relations & Research at Olds College, commented, “There's no way we would be able to feed the world like we do today if it wasn't for global cooperation.” He expressed concerns about the emerging national viewpoints disrupting traditional trade patterns, noting that repercussions are already manifesting in agriculture since World War II. This dialogue is essential as the world grapples with climate changes that impact agricultural resilience and security.
Dr. Jean-Charles Le Vallée, IICA's Country Representative in Canada, reinforced the forum’s objective to underline agriculture's crucial role in sustaining humanity, stating, “Agriculture is a miracle. We want to say, ‘Farmers are awesome.’” The forum is poised to address critical issues, such as food sufficiency for an anticipated global population of approximately 11 billion by the 2060s, against a backdrop of environmental concerns including land degradation and water scarcity.
The forum theme, "Cultivating Tomorrow's Agriculture Today," aligns with the focus of Olds College, which is known for its advanced agricultural research facilities, including the Smart Farm—a 3,000-acre living laboratory for investigating crop and livestock technologies. As noted by Le Vallée, initiatives such as IICA’s recent collaboration with Bayer to train 100 million small-scale farmers in sustainable practices demonstrate a concerted effort to ameliorate food systems worldwide, particularly for vulnerable populations.
The agricultural landscape is further complicated by pressing climate concerns—as Le Vallée pointed out, massive forest fires and escalating natural disasters are exacerbating challenges faced by farming communities. Agriculture's criticality will be highlighted by a line-up of distinguished speakers from various sectors, including government officials and industry leaders. Among those participating will be Dr. Doaa Abdel-Motaal from the World Trade Organization and Mary Ellen Smith from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, providing a platform for sharing insights and forging essential international relationships.
Moreover, as the forum aims to champion agricultural innovation through collaboration, it promises to address significant topics related to sustainability, social inclusion, and the integration of digital technologies into farming practices, reflecting a move towards a more resilient agricultural future. This is echoed by the upcoming Conference of Ministers of Agriculture of the Americas, organised by IICA from October 3 to 5 in San José, Costa Rica. This event will further elaborate on food security and sustainable agricultural practices, marking an ongoing commitment to enhance cooperation across the region.
The Americas Agriculture and Food Security Forum is not merely a dialogue but a celebration of the immeasurable contributions of farmers and agriculture to society. It stands as a testament to the commitment to tackling global agricultural challenges and ensuring food security for generations to come.