Coalition Letter Supporting the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture

Letter

Dear Secretary Rubio, Secretary Rollins, and Ambassador Greer:

The undersigned organizations write in strong support of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). As the leading specialized agricultural agency in the Western Hemisphere, IICA is a vital partner in advancing U.S. priorities across the Americas and globally. Its work supports U.S. efforts to expand agricultural exports, strengthen science-based trade standards, and safeguard animal health and biosecurity in ways that directly benefit U.S. farmers, ranchers and food producers.

We commend the Administration’s commitment to investing in international organizations that are efficient, transparent and accountable. We also appreciate the focus on ensuring these institutions prioritize U.S. stakeholder engagement and advance core U.S. policy goals. IICA exemplifies these principles. It delivers results, prevents the spread of dangerous diseases that threaten U.S. agriculture, and collaborates closely with the private sector. Its programs help reduce non-scientific trade barriers while strengthening partnerships and technical alignment with key U.S. trading partners in international forums.

IICA’s tools and training play a critical role in equipping countries in the hemisphere to effectively engage in international standard-setting organizations such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), and International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), supporting issues that are critical for U.S. farmers and food manufacturing. IICA has long been a partner of the United States in efforts to build strong, strategic coalitions that achieve outcomes reflective of shared commitments to science- and rules-based trade as well as expanded economic opportunities for producers. This partnership serves as a critical counterbalance to the agricultural trade policies driven by China, the European Union and other trade competitors that seek to undermine U.S. interests and limit trade.

This is especially important as U.S. competitors increasingly use trade agreements, international standards, and multilateral forums to advance national or regional agendas and erect de facto barriers to trade. IICA’s coordination and support for risk-based sanitary and phytosanitary systems across the hemisphere helps the United States counter politicized standards and preserve market access for high-quality U.S. agricultural exports.

IICA is also a valued partner to the United States in protecting American agriculture from transboundary animal disease threats that endanger livestock, rural economies, and national food security. As the Administration has emphasized in calling on Mexico to meet its regional responsibilities and support efforts to contain New World Screwworm (NWS), cooperation and accountability from our neighbors are essential. IICA plays a vital role in reinforcing that cooperation. From administering regional efforts to stop the spread of African Swine Fever and NWS to supporting the U.S.-Panama Cooperative Program on NWS, IICA helps the United States secure its borders and protect the integrity of U.S. agricultural exports.

Moreover, IICA exemplifies the value of public-private partnership in addressing some of the most pressing challenges in agriculture. From avoiding unnecessary bureaucracy in its programming to working directly with industry to deliver practical, science-based solutions, IICA offers a model for other international organization that aligns with U.S. values and priorities.

The Administration’s leadership in prioritizing international investments that deliver results for U.S. agriculture is essential to maintaining global competitiveness. IICA stands out as a highly effective and trusted partner in this effort. At a time of rising global competition and growing threats to agricultural trade and biosecurity, continued U.S. support for IICA will strengthen American leadership, expand export opportunities, and reinforce the science-based trade systems that helps U.S. farmers and ranchers compete—and win—on a fairer global playing field.

Respectfully,

Almond Alliance
American Farm Bureau Federation
American Feed Industry Association
American Frozen Food Institute
American Seed Trade Association
American Soybean Association
Animal Health Institute
Association for Dressings & Sauces
Biotechnology Innovation Organization
Business Council for International Understanding
Consumer Brands Association
Corn Refiners Association
CropLife America
Fresh Produce Association of the Americas
Global Cold Chain Alliance
Growth Energy
Independent Bakers Association
International Council of Beverages Associations
International Dairy Foods Association
International Food Additives Council
Meat Import Council of America
Meat Institute
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
National Association of Wheat Growers
National Corn Growers Association
National Cotton Council
National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
National Farmers Union
National Grain and Feed Association
National Milk Producers Federation
National Oilseed Processors Association
National Pork Producers Council
National Turkey Federation
North American Export Grain Association
North American Millers’ Association
Plant Based Products Council
Solutions from the Land
The Fertilizer Institute
U.S. Dairy Export Council
U.S. Dry Bean Council
U.S. Grains Council
U.S. Poultry and Egg Export Council
U.S. Soybean Export Council
USA Rice Federation

cc:

The Honorable Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Commerce
Mr. Kevin Hassett, National Economic Council Director
Mr. McCoy Pitt, Senior Bureau Official, Bureau of International Organization Affairs, U.S. Department of State
Mr. Ronald Criscuolo, Senior Advisor for International Organization Affairs, U.S. Department of State
Mr. Michael Anton, Director, Policy Planning Staff, U.S. Department of State
Mr. Thomas R. Hastings, Interim Permanent Representative, U.S. Mission to the Organization of American States

Agricultural Coalition

Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA)