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With a growing global population, climate change concerns, and limited resources, the need for collaborative agriculture is paramount.
Dr. Tony Frank, Chancellor of the Colorado State University System and Chair of the North American Agricultural Advisory Network (NAAAN) Steering Committee, and Amy Parsons, President of Colorado State University, recently visited Mexico to meet with Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, Victor Villalobos, and members of his staff. This visit aimed to strengthen collaboration and explore opportunities for agricultural partnerships, emphasizing the importance of academic exchange and research cooperation. The presence of Tony Frank and Amy Parsons underscored the CSU System’s commitment to promoting agricultural practices globally.
During their visit, Chancellor Frank and President Parsons highlighted the significance of collaboration among institutions and countries in addressing the pressing challenges faced by the agriculture sector. By fostering partnerships between Mexico and CSU, they recognized the value of combining expertise from different regions to drive innovation, share knowledge, and develop collaborative agricultural practices.
Discussions during the visit also centered around significant initiatives in the field of agricultural extension and rural advisory services, including the NAAAN, which is hosted by the Colorado State University System. The NAAAN serves as a vital platform for collaboration among Canada, Mexico, and the United States, bringing together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to address common challenges, share best practices, and foster innovation in the agricultural sector.
Other participants of the meeting included Juan Bernardo Orozco Sanchez, Director of Economic Studies of the Agrifood Sector, Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), and Salvador Fernandez Rivera, General Coordinator of Rural Development, Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) who are also NAAAN Senior Staff members. NAAAN senior staff report to the institutions or serve directly under the Ministers and Secretaries of Agriculture across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. The senior staff’s work with NAAAN builds and maintains mutually beneficial relationships, facilitates communications, and coordinates key activities in agricultural policies and programs for their countries.
By actively participating in the NAAAN, Mexico, alongside the United States and Canada, demonstrate a commitment to regional collaboration and the pursuit of sustainable agricultural solutions. This network serves as a platform to identify common goals and challenges, share knowledge, and foster collaboration to drive positive change in the agricultural sector.