IICA Canada is committed to strengthening collaboration and ties with the private sector.   Additionally, as the national agricultural policy supports improving competitiveness through innovation, the office is well positioned to be an ideal facilitator and partner.  As such, the goals of this objective include:

Ø  To identify Canadian commodities where collaborations with IICA Member countries in research, production, and value added products and health benefits could foster win-win relationships.

Ø  To utilize the vibrant network in the 34 Member States to investigate the feasibility of competitive supply contracts for agricultural inputs within USA, Mexico and LAC.

Ø  To promote an Innovation System approach to selected Small and Medium Enterprise Stakeholders.

Ø  To share information, Best Practices and experiences inter alia in the areas of trade facilitation, standards, regulations and markets

As a committed partner in sustainable food security initiatives and through its presence and permanence in 34 countries of the Americas, IICA is an ideal partner.  As such, the goals of this objective include:

Ø  To collaborate with development and donor agencies for strategic assistance to the most vulnerable in LAC.

Ø  To collaborate with Canadian and international organisations to improve value chain management in LAC.

Ø  To share information, Best Practices and experiences inter alia on value chain management, food safety and relevant contributors to food security and to assist with pertinent policy development.

We want to effectively respond to specific, technical, demand-driven requests from Member Countries IICA Canada will connect needs to available expertise available in Canada and so foster greater hemispheric integration in technical areas of agriculture.  As such, the goals of this objective include:

Ø  To provide the most effective technical support by promptly and efficiently responding to agricultural capacity building requests from IICA Member Countries.

Ø  To investigate and document the competencies available within Canada and to develop effective knowledge management tools.

IICA Canada firmly believes in the power of collaboration and is therefore aiming to strengthening alliances between academia, producers and leaders in agri-business, between Canada and LAC, in areas relating to Food Security, Competiveness and Productivity.  As such, the goals of this objective include:

Ø  To provide impactful exchange opportunities for capacity building in food security and competiveness and productivity in agriculture.

Ø  To develop and implement a program focused at improving competiveness and productivity in the agricultural sector while contributing to sustainable food security.

Ø  To develop knowledge management tools to increase the effectiveness and impact of initiatives.

During the next four years, these four Strategic objectives will guide IICA Canada's efforts in technical cooperation activities.  Notwithstanding, IICA Canada will respond to needs as they arise, when consistent with other priority areas covered in the MTP.

The main role of IICA Canada in the elaboration of IICA's Medium Term Plan is that of facilitator. The office facilitates/brokers access of technical expertise between Canada and LAC countries. This role is based on two strategic activities, building awareness with Canadian stakeholders through proactive networking activities and developing stronger relationships with government agencies, academic institutions and private organizations.  These two activities are closely linked, as the networking with new Canadian stakeholders will build knowledge and trust enhancing their relationship as partners.  The partners’ activities will facilitate the search for opportunities of common interest and the compliance with the requirements for joint proposals and projects. There is a growing number of IICA Canada stakeholders and partners where mutually beneficial relationships exist, with working team activities, as well as, proposals and projects submitted to development agencies.

As the office embarks on a results-based strategy, performance indicators have been identified for major tasks.  In addition, a multi-faceted and dynamic communications and monitoring and evaluation strategy will be undertaken to engage stakeholders and promote IICA as a partner of choice in adding value to agricultural and agri-food system initiatives.

Communication

Effective communication is central to a successful organization.  As such, to ensure meaningful delivery of the country strategy, the communication strategy aims to strengthen effectiveness by expanding the number of Canadian agencies that are aware of, in touch with and supportive of IICA Canada's mission and the new Technical Strategy.  Elements of the Communication Strategy will be used in the delivery and evaluation of operational activities to amplify impact.

Monitoring and Evaluation

A good monitoring and evaluation system is essential for an organization to thrive and reach its potential.  The goal of the Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy is to improve the impact of IICA Canada's activities by emphasizing the value of stakeholder participation in the evaluation process on a regular and consistent basis. Mindful of the importance of visibility and communication, the Communication Strategy will be a useful tool in this regard.  In addition, specific tasks have been included with each of the strategic objectives to ensure impactful delivery of initiatives.  

Please join us in our work to contribute to sustainable and competitive agriculture in the Americas.