CP/RES.923 (1611/07)

COMMEMORATION OF THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
INTER-AMERICAN INSTITUTE FOR COOPERATION ON AGRICULTURE (IICA)

(Adopted at the meeting of October 3, 2007)

THE PERMANENT COUNCIL OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES,

NOTING WITH SATISFACTION that the Permanent Council held a special meeting on October 3, 2007, to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA); and

CONSIDERING:

That the Summits of the Americas process has recognized the vital importance of agriculture as a way of life for millions of rural families in the Western Hemisphere and the role of agriculture in creating prosperity;

That in the Declaration of Quebec City the Heads of State and Government pledged to promote programs for the improvement of agriculture and rural life and agribusiness as an essential contribution to poverty reduction and integral development;

That in the Declaration of Nuevo León our Heads of State and Government committed to a sustained effort to improve living standards for rural populations;

That at the Fourth Summit of the Americas, held in Mar del Plata, states pledged to build a comprehensive framework for rural and agricultural development, to promote investment, job creation, and rural prosperity, and requested the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) to continue its efforts; and

That IICA, as a specialized institution of the inter-American system, stimulates, promotes, and supports efforts by its member states to bring about agricultural development and rural well-being,

RESOLVES:

1. To acknowledge and recognize the initiatives undertaken over the past 65 years by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) to support its 34 Member States to promote the modernization of rural communities.

2. To recognize the importance of the technical cooperation provided by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) in response to the needs of Member States, and IICA’s contribution to sustainable agricultural development, food security and rural prosperity.