JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — MDA Director Chris Chinn recently joined the Delegates of the Tri-National Agricultural Accord Working Group on Agriculture Technology, in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico, May 16-18, 2022. This was the second meeting of the work group and was hosted by The Honorable Katia Isabel Herrera Quevedo, Secretary of Agricultural Development for the Government of Morelos.
The Accord Working Group on Agriculture Technology was formed in October 2021 during the 30th annual meeting of the Tri-National Agricultural Accord on the recommendation of the delegation from Mexico. The group aims to improve understanding of challenges in Mexico related to maintaining and improving economic opportunities for small shareholders. It provides delegates a venue for discussing the role of modern technology in sustainable agricultural development.
At this second meeting, delegates shared experiences and information on agricultural technology and innovation, especially on biotechnology, and crop protection products. Engaging in trilateral collaboration, the delegates discussed the role of technology development to face challenges related to food security, lack of water for agriculture, soil health, climate change and ways to facilitate technological development to face these challenges into the future.
The meeting was formally opened by Secretary Herrera who introduced Dr. Sol Ortiz García, SADER, Climate Change Director; Senator José Narro Céspedes, Vice President of Mexican Senate Chamber Governor Cuauhtémoc Blanco Bravo, Morelos provided welcoming remarks. During subsequent sessions, delegates met with researchers from Mexico National University, Institute of Biotechnology; Morelos State University, Biotechnology Research Center; and Mexico National Institute of Forestry, Agriculture, and Livestock Research. Delegates then visited with several Morelos State agricultural producers. Additionally, delegates heard from Mr. Ryan LeGrand, President and CEO of the U.S. Grains Council, about the impact of trade policies on North American markets and the supply chain.
Delegates will continue to meet on a regular basis to continue discussing opportunities and challenges, and to address concerns related to modern agricultural technologies in a way that helps facilitate trade and rural development in North America. The Accord Working Group on Agriculture Technology is a valuable opportunity for discussions on the role of innovative technologies to achieve shared goals toward sustainable agriculture, food security and rural development.
— Missouri Department of Agriculture
