In a groundbreaking initiative to bolster #foodsecurity, the governments of the U.S. and #Guatemala, in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture #IICA, have launched the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) project. This program aims to enhance the resilience of food systems by promoting diverse, nutritious, and climate-adapted crops. Launched previously in Africa, the VACS project is now set to empower small-scale farmers in Guatemala, emphasizing traditional and indigenous crops.
José W. Fernández, Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment at the U.S. Department of State, underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving the program’s goals. The initiative will also leverage support from multilateral financial agencies and organizations like #USAID and U.S. multinational food companies.
This effort aligns with recent global trends emphasizing sustainable agricultural practices and food security. A similar initiative, the Food Systems Resilience Program, was launched in the Caribbean in late 2023, focusing on climate-resilient farming techniques and infrastructure development. Another noteworthy program, the African Agricultural Transformation Initiative, launched in early 2023, has already shown promising results in improving food security through innovative agricultural practices and public-private collaborations.
The IICA’s continued commitment to sustainable agriculture and technical cooperation highlights the critical role of collective action in addressing global food insecurity. By focusing on the health of agricultural soils and fostering public-private synergies, the VACS project aims to create a sustainable and resilient agricultural sector in Guatemala.
Similar recent initiatives, such as the Food Systems Resilience Program in the Caribbean and the African Agricultural Transformation Initiative, emphasize sustainable agricultural practices and infrastructure development. These programs have shown promising results, underscoring the global trend towards resilient food systems through innovative practices and collaborative efforts.
The IICA's commitment to technical cooperation and sustainable agriculture is pivotal in this endeavor. By prioritizing the health of agricultural soils and fostering public-private synergies, the VACS project aims to create a robust and resilient agricultural sector in Guatemala, benefiting small-scale farmers and enhancing food security across the region.
For more information, visit the IICA’s website: https://iica.int/en/press/news/together-iica-governments-us-and-guatemala-launch-joint-program-strengthen-food-security
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