Over the course of the Fall, the North American Agricultural Advisory Network (NAAAN) conducted three virtual Country Convenings in each of the three-member countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. As an opportunity to reflect on the “Feeding North America through Agricultural Extension” report and to hear from country experts, the convenings were successful, with over 173 registrants across the three countries. Participants represented various organizations across government, higher education, NGOs, and industry.
In each country meeting, participants broke out into discussion rooms focused on the three thematic areas of the NAAAN: (1) Biodefense/Biosecurity and Management of Natural Disasters; (2) Improving Soil and Water Management; and (3) Building the Next Generation of Leaders.
Additionally, all attendees participated in an Equity, Inclusion, and Communication discussion to better understand how to work with and support underserved populations in extension and rural advisory services.
In each of these breakout rooms, participants worked to answer three questions:
- What efforts currently exist?
- What efforts are missing?
- How can the NAAAN best support future efforts?
An all-star team of moderators and note takers across the three countries helped make the convenings possible by sharing their time, expertise, and insights.
A summary of findings and recommendations from these convenings will be presented to the NAAAN Steering Committee later in December and will shape future NAAAN programming and activities. Additional convening findings will be shared in the coming months as well.