Strengthening Food Safety and Trade in the Americas: A Collaborative Approach

Building a Secure Food Future in the Americas

On February 20, 2026, Director General Muhammad Ibrahim of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) paid his first visit to the United States following his appointment on January 15. During this significant visit, he engaged with key officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to discuss strategies aimed at improving food safety, enhancing biosecurity measures, and fostering stronger agricultural trade relations across the Americas.

Director General Ibrahim's meetings with Under Secretary Luke J. Lindberg and Deputy Under Secretary Michelle Bekkering centered on advancing a unified agenda that seeks to both protect the hemispheric food supply and create greater market opportunities for farmers and ranchers. With a growing emphasis on science-based agricultural practices, the discussions highlighted the essential need for regional cooperation to prevent and manage agricultural risks effectively.

The conversations paved the way for practical collaboration focusing on key areas:
1. Food Safety and Biosecurity: Ensuring the integrity of food supply chains is paramount. The leaders discussed establishing frameworks that reinforce biosecurity protocols and enhance surveillance systems to combat potential threats to crops and livestock. By sharing knowledge and resources, IICA and USDA aim to create a robust safety net against animal and plant diseases that could disrupt food production.
2. Evidence-Driven Trade: Recognizing agriculture's role in economic sustainability, the importance of regulatory alignment driven by sound science was emphasized. The officials committed to work closely together to facilitate streamlined processes that maximize market access while maintaining high safety standards. This approach not only protects consumers but also affects producers positively by ensuring their products meet established international norms.
3. Support for Agricultural Recovery in Venezuela: A significant aspect of the discussions was the commitment to aid agricultural recovery efforts in Venezuela. Director General Ibrahim reiterated IICA's readiness to assist through structured development initiatives, aligning these efforts with broader food security and stability objectives across the hemisphere. By reinforcing technical cooperation and risk management strategies, IICA intends to address the challenges faced by the Venezuelan agricultural sector.

The USDA officials outlined strategies aimed at reinforcing the Americas' reputation as a reliable global food supplier. Under Secretary Lindberg underscored the necessity of maintaining holistic supply chains that benefit producers while ensuring that trade reflects tangible economic advantages. The commitment to resilience and adaptability within agricultural markets was at the forefront of the meeting, signaling a proactive approach in managing domestic and international challenges.

Furthermore, Deputy Under Secretary Bekkering stressed the significance of employing science-based standards as a cornerstone for effective agricultural trade. By advocating for predictable trading environments enabled through rigorous risk assessments, both parties aspire to bolster trust among trading partners, thus enhancing the global positioning of American agricultural products.

The path ahead is clear: as IICA and USDA embark on this collaborative journey, they are placing their focus on developing effective response mechanisms to potential agricultural threats while promoting sustainable practices. The synergy between these organizations illuminates a forward-thinking approach to addressing the complex challenges of food safety in a globalized trading world.

Ultimately, this partnership symbolizes not just a commitment to agricultural excellence but also a pledge to ensuring food security across diverse nations. By intensifying cooperation through science and dialogue, both IICA and USDA aim to establish an enduring legacy that benefits current and future generations. With a clear roadmap ahead, the Americas can look forward to a more secure food future that supports farmers, nourishes families, and builds resilient economies.