President Ali calls for digital, climate-smart revolution in Americas’ agriculture – IICA leadership handover

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday outlined a series of strategic guidelines for the future of agriculture in the Americas, as he addressed the inauguration ceremony marking Dr Mohamed Ibran’s assumption of office as the new Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) in San José, Costa Rica.
The President delivered his remarks via a video message from Georgetown during the ceremony, which was attended by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and several high-level regional and international officials. Among them were Mary Munive Angermüller, Vice President of Costa Rica; Arnoldo Tinoco and Alejandro Solano, Minister and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica; Cleber Soares, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil; and government representatives from more than 30 countries worldwide. Outgoing Director General Manuel Otero formally handed over the reins of the institution to his successor.
In his address, President Ali underscored IICA’s critical role in generating agricultural value-added and supporting sustainable development across the hemisphere. He extended heartfelt and resounding congratulations to his fellow countryman, Dr Ibran, on his inauguration, describing the appointment as a source of national pride for Guyana.
The Head of State said Dr Ibran’s appointment reflects the confidence of member states, the strength of a shared hemispheric vision, and a deep belief that cooperation – not isolation – will define the future of agriculture. He added that Guyana expresses sincere appreciation to all those who supported Dr Ibran’s candidacy.

According to President Ali, the appointment comes at a decisive moment in history, as climate change continues to threaten livelihoods, food insecurity tests global resilience, and supply chains strain under global shocks. In this context, he posed a critical question: whether these challenges will be allowed to define nations, or whether their collective response will define the future.
Looking ahead, the President said that clear priorities must guide the region’s agricultural transformation. Chief among them, he noted, is the acceleration of digital transformation across the entire agricultural value chain.
“Technology can democratise opportunity, whether through precision agriculture, data-driven decision-making, or digital extension services. It is why Guyana proudly partners with IICA on initiatives such as the Situation Room and the Centre of Excellence,” President Ali said.

He further emphasised the importance of championing regenerative and climate-smart agriculture, noting that soils, biodiversity, and farmers all depend on it. He stressed that the issue is not whether climate impacts will occur, but whether farmers will be adequately prepared to face them.
Ali also highlighted the need to strengthen competitiveness, noting that producers must meet global standards, access new markets, and add value at every stage of production. He said agri-processing, logistics, and innovation ecosystems are no longer optional.
Additionally, President Ali stressed that agricultural transformation must create wealth where it matters most, within rural communities. He noted that women, youth, and marginalised groups must not be spectators of progress but beneficiaries and leaders of it. He also emphasised that nutrition must remain central to food security, pointing out that food security is not solely about availability.
In this regard, the President highlighted Guyana’s work on biofortified rice, including the commercialisation of Guyaka 17, as a clear demonstration of what science-driven solutions can achieve. He emphasised that agricultural development must prioritise quality, diversity, and health.
Ali also stressed the need to expand both intra- and extra-regional trade, noting that the Americas have both the opportunity and the obligation to lead the world in building sustainable and reliable food systems. He questioned whether the region would seize that responsibility collectively, affirming his belief that it must.
He pointed out that Guyana stands ready to work hand-in-hand with IICA and all member states to advance these shared priorities.
Meanwhile, Minister Mustapha, who also serves as Chair of the Ministerial Task Force on Agriculture of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), congratulated Dr Ibran on becoming “the first Guyanese to lead this prestigious institution”. He noted that Dr Ibran’s career, both locally and internationally, is a testament to the tremendous potential that exists within the region.