Newsletter
IICA Delegation in Canada Issue 2018-01
January - March 2018
Representative’s Corner The first quarter of the year is usually approached with optimism and an eagerness to make a fresh start! This year was no different. The inauguration of a new Director General of the Institute in January actually sealed the deal. No stranger to IICA, Dr. Manuel Otero hit the ground running, ensuring that institutional planning was high on each Delegation’s work agenda. A good time to reflect and project, staff was fully engaged in providing input for the upcoming Medium Term Plan. After weighing in on the areas to be included in the Institute’s road map for the next 4 years, the Delegation proceeded to obtain views from a range of stakeholders. Serendipitously, this coincided with Canada’s second round of consultations on its new Feminist International Assistance Policy. The opportunity to eye Canada’s development priorities while we contribute to the development of our own MTP was not lost. The Delegation in Canada was thrilled that the DG decided to visit Canada for his first country mission since taking office. Brief but dynamic, the high level mission resulted in a spell of unanticipated preparatory activities, and of course, follow-up actions. Meetings which were organized facilitated contact with our stakeholders early in the year, even while we forged new alliances. Such was the case with Food Security Policy Group, with whom IICA’s experience of agricultural innovation systems was shared.
In this issue Advancing Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy
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Can Seasonal Agriculture Workers contribute to agriculture in their home countries?
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Learning about Innovation in Agricultural System
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Welcome to the 2018 RIAP Participants!.
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Agriculture and international development: a fruitful combination
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Canada – First Stop for new Director General
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A new type of cooperation formalized
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Of course I was pleased for a respite from the cold in Jamaica for the closing of the study on "The potential for knowledge transfer by Jamaican Seasonal Agricultural Workers who participate in the Canadian program". The validation workshop and meetings with the Canadian High Commission, Ministry of Labour and Social Security and Ministry of Industry Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries in Jamaica provided favorable prospects for this innovative venture. The promising start of the year was dimmed by the retirement of a member of our team – Trudy Werry, who although with us a short time, played an invaluable role in planning, monitoring and project activities of the Delegation. We wish her all the best as she relaxes and embarks on new adventures! For more information:
Visit us
Audia Barnett audia.barnett@iica.int
www.iica.int/canada 1
Newsletter
IICA Delegation in Canada Issue 2018-01
January - March 2018
Advancing Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy Canada’s new international development policy, commonly known as FIAP – Feminist International Assistance Policy launched last year after broad ranging consultations is resonating on the world stage…in a good way. With the target being the eradication of poverty while also addressing several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the rationale for the FIAP becomes clear. Canada has demonstrated leadership in a way that has reignited the spotlight on the disparities that women face in all walks of life. In developing countries, the gender equity challenges are quite complex, being interwoven in socio-cultural norms, practices and policies. Tying development aid to demonstrable shifts towards gender equity is therefore a good strategy to both signal that the “status quo” cannot coexist with meaningful “development” as well as an opportunity to provide tools for addressing concomitant maladies in discrete and measurable ways. Since its launch last year, the FIAP hosted several thematic sessions to further elucidate issues that require special attention in the six action areas identified: Core Action Area: Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women and Girls 1. Human Dignity (health and nutrition, education, humanitarian action) 2. Growth that Works for Everyone 3. Environment and Climate Action 4. Inclusive Governance 5. Peace and Security The IICA Delegation in Canada participated in a workshop on Environment & Climate Change jointly hosted by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and the Canadian Coalition on Climate Change & Development (C4D), where the implications of Climate Change on agriculture and food security were aired. Additionally, considering the Institute’s knowledge, experience and interest in inclusive development and economic empowerment, the Representative, with support from the Institute’s technical specialists, participated in GAC’s short but dynamic virtual consultation process on Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women & Girls; Human Dignity : Health and Nutrition; Environment and Climate Change and Inclusive Governance. Collaborations will be key to obtaining a multiplier impact and the Delegation is in preparation mode to optimize existing partnerships as well as establish new ones.
For more information: Audia Barnett audia.barnett@iica.int
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Newsletter
IICA Delegation in Canada January - March 2018
Issue 2018-01
Can Seasonal Agriculture Workers contribute to agriculture in home countries? Each year hundreds of seasonal agricultural workers pack their bags and leave their families, to travel to North America to fill a labour gap in the agri-food sector. In Canada, the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP) has been in place for over 50 years, with workers coming from Mexico, Jamaica and other Caribbean countries. A recent report by the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council notes that “Over the next decade, fruit and vegetable farmers’ challenges to find workers will intensify as the domestic workforce is anticipated to continue shrinking”. Over half (53%) of the work required on Canadian farms is seasonal, leaving no doubt as to the continued value of the programme. On the other side of the coin, workers in the programme have contributed to their local economies through remittances, investing in their children’s education, home improvements and even small businesses. As with most cross-cultural programmes, challenges, adjustments, and new knowledge characterize the experience. The latter holds potential, particularly since over 85% of participants in the SAWP return on repeat contracts, with some working at the same farm year after year for 10…. 15… 20 years and more. Anecdotal information and individual testimonies from Canadian employers highlight the range of knowledge & skills acquired in operational processes which have translated in unqualified confidence in, and accolades for seasonal workers. But is this knowledge transferable? With the stark differences in the scale, technologies, crops and infrastructure between the home countries and Canada, prospects for transfer may appear few and far between. On closer examination however, there are a handful of cases that provide a glimpse of possibilities. Mexican workers from the Oaxaca area for example, were able to build a small scale irrigation system for their community and also plant non-traditional crops for the region, such as cabbage, cucumbers and strawberries, based on knowledge gained in Canada. In another case, a former seasonal worker was able to establish his own greenhouse and produce red bell peppers (sweet peppers) for export to Canada. He is now somewhat of a celebrity in his community, and his business has also generated employment. Caribbean participants in the “farm work” programme have honed skills and gained expertise in greenhouse operations, organic farming, apiary management, and even mushroom farming…some of the appealing niche areas in regional agriculture. The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) is exploring the (hidden) potential, by tapping the resource pool of returning seasonal agricultural workers. This is the basis of a recent study conducted in Jamaica, through collaboration with the IICA Delegation in Jamaica, Ministry of Labour and Social Security as well as the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries (MICAF). The report was unveiled and validated by stakeholders recently during a technical cooperation mission of the Representative of IICA in Canada, Dr. Audia Barnett. The diverse group unanimously agreed that there was good potential for transfer and use of the skills gained in Canada.
For more information: Audia Barnett audia.barnett@iica.int
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Newsletter
IICA Delegation in Canada January - March 2018
Issue 2018-01
Innovation in Agricultural Systems In January 2018, IICA Canada participated in the organization of a learning event by the Food Security Policy Group (FSPG), focused on innovation in agricultural systems. The FSPG is a coalition of Canadian NGOs working on issues of food security, climate change, and sustainable livelihoods around the world. The goal of the workshop was to provide FSPG members with increased understanding of different perspectives on innovation in the international development sector – from government, NGOs, and hearing from end users’ experiences. A wide range of perspectives were represented at the workshop, and some important key lessons emerged. These lessons will be integrated and used by FSPG and its member organizations in future programming. One key message that emerged was that innovation requires patience – success is rarely found immediately, but instead requires investment in time and monitoring to ensure success. Participatory approaches to innovation development can yield positive and long-lasting impacts, and need to be supported and risk-managed. Finally, scaling-up of innovations is a key factor – too often, innovations are developed and then languish between the research and adoption phases – adoption and sharing of innovations must be an integral part of the innovation process. The workshop was attended by approximately 30 FSPG participants, and featured speakers from Global Affairs Canada, the International Development Research Centre, academic institutions, members of civil society, and farmers. IICA’s own Specialist in the Management of Technological Innovation in Agriculture, Priscila Henriquez, also spoke about IICA’s work in agricultural innovations, highlighting success stories from Latin America and the Caribbean such as IICA’s work with the System of Rice Intensification. The Representative and the Technical Cooperation Specialist were pleased to have assisted in the organization of this fascinating day, and would like to thank the FSPG for this opportunity!
For more information: Lindsay Vyvey Lindsay.Vyvey@iica.int
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Newsletter
IICA Delegation in Canada January - March 2018
Issue 2018-01
Welcome to the 2018 RIAP Participants! Every year, the IICA Canada delegation facilitates an initiative called the Research and Internship Assistance Program (RIAP). The aim of the RIAP is to provide researchers with opportunities to ‘internationalize’ their research, and to provide individuals working in the agri-food industry to gain experience abroad. There are two components to the program: 1) The Research Assistance program provides funding for researchers from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) to conduct short-term research assignments in Canada, and vice versa; 2) The Internship Assistance program allows individuals working in the agri-food industry to do an internship either with a business, government department, or nongovernmental organization in Canada or one of the LAC countries. In 2018, a large number of strong applications were received. The successful applicants demonstrated the relevance of their work for improving agriculture in the hemisphere, as well as strong personal capabilities in their fields. As can be seen below, the topics cover a wide range of issues relevant to agriculture in the Western hemisphere, involving 8 countries. Our Delegation is excited to see the results of their work and wish all of the 2018 RIAP participants the very best in their endeavours!
For more information: Lindsay Vyvey Lindsay.Vyvey@iica.int
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Newsletter
IICA Delegation in Canada Issue 2018-01
January - March 2018
Agriculture and international development: a fruitful combination
Ms. Celina Caesar-Chavannes, Parliamentary Secretary
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) is a powerhouse in the Canadian Federal Government – having three resident Ministers with portfolios: Foreign Affairs, International Development and La Francophonie and International Trade. Among GAC’s priorities are the strengthening of Canada’s contribution to a more just, inclusive and sustainable world as well as increasing and diversifying international trade, and foreign direct investment. Although IICA’s programs reflect aspects of each of the three Ministries, the Ministry with portfolio responsibility for IICA (OAS and other such organizations) is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, noting the relevance of the new Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) launched by the Ministry of International Development and La Francophonie, the Delegation initiated contact to introduce the scope of IICA’s mandate and work in the Americas.
A meeting held with Ms. Celina Caesar-Chavannes, the Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry, was quite encouraging. Joined by representatives from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and Global Affairs Canada, discussions centered around the synergies between the FIAP and IICA’s activities in Latin American and Caribbean countries. Ms. Caesar-Chavannes was particularly concerned about climate resilience in the Caribbean, as well as engaging youth in agriculture to achieve long term sustainability of the agricultural sector. She was also enthusiastic about prospects for replicating a project recently concluded by the IICA Canada Delegation: “ValueAdded Opportunities for Small-Scale Cacao Producers”, as it epitomized the values that are being promoted by her Ministry – namely economic empowerment of women and environmental sustainability, as well as strengthening value-added opportunities for smallholder farmers. The Representative and Technical Cooperation Specialist were pleased with the interaction and anticipate further engagement with this dynamic portfolio.
For more information: Audia Barnett audia.barnett@iica.int 6
Newsletter
IICA Delegation in Canada Issue 2018-01
January - March 2018
Canada – First Stop for new Director General Dr. Manuel Otero was inaugurated as Director General (DG) of IICA on January 15, 2018 and by February 21st, he was in Canada! This was no accident, as Canada is a world leader in agri -food trade and innovation, and it has recently launched its new international assistance policy. It was also an ideal chance to remind stakeholders that IICA presents an excellent avenue to connect complementary opportunities in Canada, Central America, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and the Andean Community. Canada is also on IICA’s Executive Committee this year. The focus of the 2-day visit was introducing key stakeholders to the new DG as well as to discuss themes of mutual interest. It afforded an excellent opportunity to share thoughts on Dr. Otero’s vision, operational focus and thematic areas being considered for the Institute’s new Medium Term Plan (2018 – 2022). Throughout the meetings, which included decision-makers and senior staff members in the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Health Canada, Global Affairs Canada and the CARICOM diplomatic representative, several common messages were conveyed by the DG. Action will be taken to ensure the Institute is less bureaucratic and more efficient, increasing the use of regional platforms. The Caribbean, Central America (particularly the Dry Corridor) and Northern Andean region will be subregions for special attention. There will be a new Strategic Alliance Map and proactive approach with respect to gaining external resources Private Sector engagement will be undertaken. Additionally, 5 themes for technical cooperation were proposed for consideration: Agricultural Health & Food Safety, Trade & Integration, Territories & social inclusion, Competitiveness and the Bio-economy and Resilience in Agriculture. There was unanimous agreement on the themes being considered for IICA’s new MTP, particularly noting the synergies with Canadian priorities. Furthermore, Federal Government officials, acknowledging the success that Canada has with private sector partnership, offered to share best practices and lessons learned. Although brief, the mission, which comprised the DG; Deputy Director General, Lloyd Day; and the Senior Advisor to the DG, Jorge Werthein, was deemed a success. To echo the recommendation of a well-connected CEO to the DG …”Come often”!
For more information: Audia Barnett audia.barnett@iica.int
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Newsletter
IICA Delegation in Canada January - March 2018
Issue 2018-01
A new type of cooperation formalized The Delegation in Canada has a very cordial and open relationship with Latin American and Caribbean country missions in Canada, often hosting information-sharing sessions, facilitating connections in Canada, as well as conducting joint events. These interactions help to heighten the role of IICA in their home countries as well as here in Canada. Shortly after her arrival to Canada, Ambassador of Paraguay, Ines Martinez Valinotti sought to go a step further and formalize the relationship. The agreement with the Embassy, in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), provides the framework for engaging the services and support of the Delegation to sensitize and prepare Paraguayan agribusiness sector to meet regulatory requirements in Canada as well other technical cooperation activities. The MOU was signed on the eve of the first round of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Mercosur and Canada. The objective of a new FTA is to increase economic opportunities for the benefit of all member countries of Mercosur, namely – Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay. The Canadian government has expressed commitment to ensuring that a Canada-Mercosur trade agreement will include provisions for sharing the benefits of trade among all, including women, youth, Indigenous people, small and medium-sized enterprises, and the middle class. IICA Delegations in Canada and Paraguay are being perceived as knowledge brokers and facilitators to ensure that mutually beneficial prospects in the agri-food sector are embraced, particularly as new opportunities are anticipated with a Mercosur- Canada FTA.
For more information: Audia Barnett audia.barnett@iica.int
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