ISSNISSN 2078-52592078-5259 Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture JANUARY - JUNE 2010 VOLUME 2, NUMBER 1 The road to the top Discover the reasons behind the success of some outstanding agricultural entrepreneurs PRONACA DOS PINOS N.L. STEVIA S.A. The Bohemian Alps Vineyard ...and much more
The ten commandments of the agroleader Lola: a success story in sports and in agriculture
Emotional intelligence: the secret to successful entrepreneurship?
Credits
Leadership in Agriculture is a publication of the Center The Center stimulates the broadest possible access to information for Leadership in Agriculture of the Inter-American Institute for on leadership required for agriculture and rural life. To do Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). Founded in March 2008, so, one of the main tools is the magazine Leadership in the Center’s mission is to be a specialized center which promotes Agriculture, which offers success stories and thoughts a new generation of leaders with a global vision who can from experts, as well as methods and tools to consolidate create a modern agricultural sector that contributes to integral leadership skills. sustainable development, food security and rural prosperity in The Center falls under the Directorate of Technical Leadership the Americas. and Knowledge Management of IICA.
EDITOR: Hernan Chiriboga, Coordinator of the Center of Leadership
EDITORIAL BOARD: James French, Director of Technical Leadership and Knowledge Management of IICA Hernan Chiriboga, Coordinator of the Center of Leadership Federico Sancho, Head of Documentation and Publications Unit, IICA Patricia Leon, Head of Public Information and Institutional Image Unit, IICA
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Juan Caliva, Coordinator of Training Unit, IICA Jan Hurwitch, International Consultant in the Field of Leadership
CONTRIBUTORS: Hernan Chiriboga, Bruce Bostelman, Lorraine Waldropt-Ferguson, Paola Rojas Garcia, Paul Benavides Mosquera, Fabrizzio Javier Zucchini Almiron Federico Sancho, Sergio Pacheco, Amy E. Boren, Norma Villalba and Nestor Molinas
COVER PHOTOGRAPH: Courtesy of Lola Molina
PHOTOGRAPH: Rafa Cartin, Lola Molina, Bruce Bostelman, D. Sukha, Lorraine Waldropt- Ferguson, Dos Pinos, PRONACA, Fabrizzio Javier Zucchini Almiron, Juan Caliva and Photos.com MECHANICAL EDITING: Maximo Araya, Language Services Unit, IICA
TRANSLATION: Language Services Unit, IICA
ADMINISTRATION: Patricia Ross
SECRETARIES: Karen Salazar and Sonia Garcia
DESIGN AND DIAGRAMMING: Karla Cruz, Catalina Lizano. Public Information and Institutional Image Unit, IICA
PRINTING: IICA Print Shop, Coronado, Costa Rica
© Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) 2010. The Institute encourages the fair use of this document. Proper citation is requested. Letter from the editor
We must make the rural sector attractive T he size and the importance of the agricultural and rural sectors, and the contributions of both to economic and social development, have been overlooked for years. The +HUQDQ&KLULERJD time has come to change that way of thinking. We &RRUGLQDWRURIWKH&HQWHUIRU can no longer sit back and watch as young people /HDGHUVKLSLQ$JULFXOWXUH,,&$ leave rural areas in search of opportunities in the big cities of their countries or, even worse, of other countries. We must make the rural world attractive because the current generation has been unable to enough that young people will want to stay. We bring about the necessary changes. must understand that the potential of our countries is in the rural areas, where there are opportunities The principal function of the Center for Leadership to reduce poverty and generate wealth, which in Agriculture is to train those new leaders and must be distributed equitably in urban and rural give them the tools they need to be leaders. For its areas. This is the only way we will we be able to part, the objective of this magazine is to show, with improve the lives of our citizens. actual examples, that with effective leadership the rural world can become the most important sector For this to become a reality, it is necessary to in stimulating the growth of our economies. convince decision makers of the need to give our rural areas the attention they truly deserve We must remember that AGRICULTURE IS and promote investment there. However, before IMPORTANT THREE TIMES A DAY and that, as this can happen, there must be people in the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize Dr. Norman agricultural and rural areas who are convinced, Borlaug has said “Civilization as it is known today dedicated and trained to lead the process of could not have evolved, nor can it survive, without change. In other words, we need new leaders an adequate food supply.” We must, therefore,
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 3 produce more and higher quality food in a more prices paid anywhere in the hemisphere for milk sustainable manner. That is the only way for food purchased on the farm. We also present the security to become a reality and for our peoples to experience of a young leader from Trinidad and be healthier, thanks to sound nutrition. Tobago, Lorraine Waldropt, who has positioned the cacao of her country on the international market, In the rural world, it is more important to prevent generating opportunities for Caribbean producers. than to cure because prevention is both more inexpensive and more profitable. The conditions Another article deals with the PRONACA must exist in rural areas that will make them agribusiness, located in Ecuador, which is attractive and profitable. For this to happen, it is promoting the improved well-being of a large necessary to provide services that will make a better number of small-scale producers by working with quality of life possible, such as credit programs, a clear vision of the need to generate value in all technical assistance, training, infrastructure, agricultural chains and retain the trust of suppliers communications facilities and others. and clients. Also included in this edition is the case of the NL Stevia Company, which is promoting This issue of our magazine focuses on undertakings the processing and marketing of Stevia, a natural that are generating sustainable development in sweetener found in Paraguay. It has succeeded in different regions of our hemisphere. We present improving the quality of life for local growers, has an experience in leadership and entrepreneurship created a new agrifood chain in the country and of a small-scale producer in the United States who plans to offer the world a healthier sweetener. tells us about how he succeeded and grew to be Lastly, we present an experience which shows influential in his community and region. We also how we can achieve effective leadership and present two successful experiences in Central undertake successful ventures with the proper use America. The first is the case of Lola Molina, a of emotional intelligence. young leader from Guatemala who tells us how she succeeded in sports and then in agriculture by s evidenced by all the examples applying the principles and values of leadership. presented in this issue of the The second case, which is a clear example of the magazine, for the rural areas of our saying “there is strength in numbers,” refers to hemisphere to be a place where new the Dos Pinos Cooperative in Costa Rica. This generations will want to work and company, which belongs to the dairy farmers liveA and generate well-being and progress, it is WHO ARE MEMBERS PROCESSES MORE THAN MILLION necessary to have leaders determined to strengthen liters of milk per day and pays one of the highest rural entrepreneurship
4 LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s Contents
Letter from the editor Leadership in agricultural information We must make the rural sector attractive services: The SIDALC initiative Hernan Chiriboga, Coordinator of the Center 3 Learn how, thanks to technical cooperation provided 43 for Leadership in Agriculture, IICA by IICA, more than 150 institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean have been able to operate an agricultural information and documentation system New leadership at IICA dealing with agriculture, the environment, food and 6 related topics in the hemisphere. Keys to success Lola’s remarkable career change: The 10 qualities needed by the man or woman who from sportswoman to farmer decides to focus his/her energies on transforming 8 Cycling taught her discipline and perseverance. 49 agriculture and rural life. Meet Lola Molina, a woman who applied what she learned from her sport to her dairy farm, and who believes in the ability of people to learn and be better human beings.
Cases of agricultural leadership Entrepreneurial vision: Transforming the dream into reality Trends The author teaches other rural entrepreneurs how 13 to develop a vision and set goals…He tells us how Emotional Intelligence: The secret he developed his own vision and what he did to of successful entrepreneurship? achieve his goals. Attempting to find the secret of success of certain 55 A passion for agriculture and for life entrepreneurs, researchers today tend to focus on A young leader from the Caribbean tells her story the world of emotions. and how fatherly advice gave her a passion for the 19 land and agriculture.
Dos Pinos: achieving better results by working together Learn more about this successful model 25 agricultural cooperative in Central America and the battles it has won.
PRONACA: agricultural leadership from the heart of the Andean Region Five decades ago it was little more than a dream. 31 CLA in action Today, it is a vigorous agribusiness known for high value added production and a special relationship Inauguration of the Center for with suppliers and customers. Leadership in Agriculture (CLA) in Paraguay 64 The challenge: to help sweeten the world Three ministerial forums In Paraguay, a native plant has generated an 39 The IICA Center for Leadership in Agriculture held interesting experience in leadership. The firm is forums with the ministers of agriculture of Haiti, 66 known as NL Stevia. Peru, and Mexico.
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture New Leadership at IICA
ictor M. Villalobos, Victor M. Villalobos took the oath of office as Director from Mexico, has been at the helm of General of IICA on January 15, 2010. the Institute since *ANUARY diplomatic corps accredited in economy, technical cooperation V Costa Rica, and special guests must focus on productivity Victor M. Villalobos is the from throughout the Americas. and competitiveness. “This will new Director General of the involve genetic improvement, Inter-American Institute for Villalobos was elected at the the transfer of appropriate Cooperation on Agriculture Fifteenth Regular Meeting of technologies, access to markets (IICA). He took office during an the IABA, held in Jamaica on for agricultural products and official ceremony held at IICA /CTOBER (E WON THE the adoption of and adherence Headquarters, in Costa Rica, on election by a comfortable margin, to sanitary and phytosanitary *ANUARY TAKING OVER THE REINS which reflects the acceptance, standards, etc.” he stated. from outgoing Director General on the part of the member Chelston W.D. Brathwaite. countries, of his plans for the Directing his attention to the Institute and the participatory personnel of the Institute, he The event was attended by the style of leadership that has said “Help me help the countries. President of the Republic of characterized him throughout Each of you is necessary and I ask Costa Rica, Oscar Arias Sanchez; his distinguished career at the you to join with me in sharing the Secretary General of the service of the rural sector of knowledge and becoming true Organization of American States Mexico and the Americas. agents of change in those areas (OAS), Jose Miguel Insulza; the in which our contributions can Chairman of the Inter-American The new Director General have an impact.” Board of Agriculture (IABA) outlined the priorities for the and Minister of Agriculture and )NSTITUTES WORK FOR THE Below is a biographical sketch Fisheries of Jamaica, Christopher TERM INCLUDING EFFORTS of Dr. Villalobos. We wish him Tufton; the Ministers of to strengthen the agrifood every success and are certain Agriculture of Costa Rica, Javier system. Given the impact of that, under his leadership, Flores, and Mexico, Francisco the production and commercial the agricultural sector of the Mayorga; many members of the chains on the rest of the Americas will benefit greatly.
Head table at the Oath of Office ceremony for the new Director General of IICA
6 LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s A negotiator … a leader
He has received very important and distinguished awards for his outstanding scientific and academic contributions.
innovations in the areas of plant Dr. Villalobos has been instructor production and natural resources for undergraduate and graduate conservation. programs at the Autonomous University of Chapingo (UACH); Dr. Villalobos has been appointed the Graduate College in two times by the Mexican Agriculture Sciences (COLPOS); President as Undersecretary and the Center for Research in the Federal Government, and Advanced Studies of the the first time as Natural Re- National Polytechnic Institute sources Undersecretary for the (CINVESTAV). Internationally, Secretariat of Environment, he has been an instructor in the Natural Resources and Fisheries Tropical Agronomic Center for Dr. Victor M. Villalobos, (SEMARNAP), the second time, Research and Teaching (CATIE). Director General of IICA. as Agriculture Undersecretary Dr. Villalobos has been instructor for the Secretariat of Agricul- for advanced courses in Argentina, r. Villalobos is a well ture, Ranching, Rural Develop- Austria, Colombia, Costa Rica, recognized expert in the ment, Fisheries and Food Chile, Ecuador, Jordan, Iran and agricultural and biological (SAGARPA). D Venezuela, among others. He has fields, as well as in the natural As a researcher, Dr. Villalobos also been the major professor for and genetic resources fields. He has encouraged the use of seven undergraduate and eleven is recognized in the Hemisphere agriculture biotechnology as a tool graduate students. for his many outstanding for sustainable production, and to contributions in these areas. Dr. Villalobos has received very ensure enough food production important and distinguished Dr. Villalobos has worked in for Mexico and the world. awards for his outstanding a variety of positions such as Based on his long experience scientific and academic full professor, research leader, and several fields of expertise, contributions. He is a member international appointee, govern- Dr. Villalobos has published Royal Agriculture and Forestry ment official, administration two books: “Tissue Culture Academy of Sweden; Honorary executive, government mediator, Contribution to Plant Improve- Doctor’s Degree of CATIE and leader for multidisciplinary ment and Conservation” -EMBER OF THE h3COPING groups on analysis and decision AND h4RANSGENIC 0LANTS Team” for the Consultant Group making. Opportunities and Threats” on International Agriculture )N $R 6ICTOR 6ILLALOBOS Research (CGIAR); Member obtained his Bachelor’s Degree Dr. Villalobos has also been of the Science and Technology in Agronomy at the National involved with international Commission for the National School of Agriculture in organizations for technical Council of Science and Technology #HAPINGO -EXICO IN HE cooperation. He was the Director (CONACYT) and California obtained his Master of Sciences of the Agriculture Division University (UC-Mexus). The in Plant Genetics at the Graduate IN THE 4ROPICAL President of Mexico distinguished College of Chapingo; and in Agronomic Center for Research Dr. Villalobos for his contribution HE OBTAINED HIS 0H$ AT THE and Teaching (CATIE). He has on agriculture biotechnology. He University of Calgary in Canada also served as the Executive is Professor Ad Honorem for the (he wrote his thesis on Plant Official on Biotechnology Graduate Collegue of Chapingo Morphogenesis). In the course of AND 0RESIDENT OF and distinguished alumni of his long career, he has made major THE "OARD OF $IRECTORS the Autonomous University of contributions and has supported OF #!4)% Chapingo.
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 7 Keys to success
for leaders who can promote was reached. In addition, the economically and ecologically Center undertook actions aimed sustainable food production. at improving the leadership These leaders must also encourage skills of decision makers by others to tap the opportunities enhancing their negotiating provided by agrotourism, and communication skills, agroenergy, scenic tourism and showing them how to strengthen other activities. teamwork, and ensuring that they possess the qualities and )N RESPONSE IN THE capabilities needed to promote Inter-American Institute for development in the rural milieu. Cooperation on Agriculture I The leaders who possess those n the rural sector, (IICA) created the Center for qualities and capabilities where more than half of the Leadership in Agriculture, a novel constitute the new generation population of Latin America and initiative aimed at promoting a of leaders that are needed in the the Caribbean live, the need to new generation of leaders with rural sector today. They must develop a generation of young a global vision and capable of think on a global scale, but take leaders has not been given the modernizing the agricultural action at the local level, and be attention it deserves. At present, sector and contributing to the focused on values. They must tackle the challenge of making the rural sector more attractive The 10 qualities needed by the man or woman who to young people. In other words, decides to focus his/her energies on transforming the sector must offer young people opportunities that will agriculture and rural life stop them from migrating to the cities, where there are already too many people and too few sustainable development of there are numerous publications, options. experts and centers that specialize agriculture, food security and in leadership, but most are rural prosperity in the Americas. The Center for Leadership has focused on leadership in the field prepared the following summary From its inception, the staff of of the qualities of an agro-leader, of business administration, which the Center has been working which can be printed and posted has hindered the development of to identify the qualities a leader in an office or carried in a wallet. leaders for the agricultural sector. in the agricultural sector must To effect changes and generate The world population continues possess. After almost two years more and better opportunities, to grow and we must eat three of discussions with more than leaders with the following times a day, creating the need SUCH LEADERS A CONSENSUS characteristics are needed:
LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF THE AGROLEADER
Take care of yourself, your family, and the members of your community. Be interested in the well-being of all including nature and biodiversity. Define a vision for the future and share it with the community, attaching 2 priority to those activities that will lead to the achievement of goals. Begin by leading others and then share leadership with them. Results must 3 be the consequence of the efforts of all. 4 Live value-centered leadership. Walk the talk. Be courageous and not afraid of taking risks. Try to find innovative solutions to problems in the rural sector. Partner with others who share similar objectives. Encourage teamwork based 6 on active listening and the development of trust.
Cultivate and maintain good relations and contacts with decision makers in 7 the rural sector. Foster the development of talent and empower the members of your team. Bring out talent in others, encouraging innovation. Seek your own continual improvement and that of the members of your team. Have a positive influence on others, always in pursuit of common objectives.
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE Cases of agricultural leadership
LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s Photo: Courtesy of Lola Molina
From all corners of the hemisphere, success stories and personal accounts of entrepreneurs from today and yesterday
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE Photo: Photos.com
LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s Entrepreneurial vision: Transforming the dream into reality
The author teaches other rural entrepreneurs how to develop a vision and set goals…He tells us how he developed his own vision and what he did to achieve his goals
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For the entrepreneur, leadership is more than leading: it is learning, developing ideas and bringing them to fruition.
The question is, how does one do that on the farm? As an agricultural entrepreneur, there L are many opportunities that eadership I have seized on to practice is the opportunity to take an what I preach. I am a founder idea, concept or principle and and presently sit on the Board apply it in practice through the of Directors of a company creation of frameworks that called Nebraska Woody Florals provide a final development or (nebraskawoodyflorals.com). outcome. For the entrepreneur, My business management leadership is more than leading: skills and years of experience it is learning, developing ideas as a paralegal allow me to and bringing them to fruition. It help the directors understand is also about developing their roles and responsibilities. individuals by allowing them I also work with the Nebraska the freedom to be productive, Cooperative DevelopmentCenter well rounded and self-confident. (NCDC) to provide training to Leading is finding the right our directors and employees. people with the right skills to do This includes practical training the job. Leadership is not a once such as developing budgets in a lifetime event; it is a process and training plans, and of always educating yourself and leadership training in areas learning from your mistakes and such as developing a vision and helping others to succeed. setting goals.
1 Bruce Bostelman, an entrepreneurial farmer in Nebraska, USA. Nebraska Woody Florals, Heartland Nuts-N-More, Bohemian Alps Vineyard. Brinard, Nebraska 68626.
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE I would be remiss if I did We started out as an outsider since neither my wife’s not mention education, and family nor mine are from this area. Skepticism and I do not mean just formal even outright ridicule surrounded us as we struck out education. I am continually working on the farm. learning and seeking out opportunities that will stretch me and help me continue I am also a director varying interests. Learning to to develop. Most recently, I for Heartland Nuts-N-More communicate with a variety of graduated from the Nebraska (heartlandnutsnmore.com) and different individuals has been a LEAD program. A two- this is a challenge in terms of key factor in making this work. year program designed to leadership. Basically, we are an Having worked with many develop leaders from our rural assortment of farmers, hobbyists, diverse interests over the years communities to prepare them and professionals who produce has helped prepare me to better for greater leadership roles and nut meats that a local cooperative communicate with our directors to help them better understand processes and sells. We currently and help them better understand their state, country and the sell nut meats but we are slowly world as a whole. working to expand our product the needs of the business. lines. This is a slow process and provides many challenges, as our board is comprised of By working together, we are able to better work through issues in the vineyard, produce excellent grapes and make award-winning wines.
Land for a vineyard
How did I get interested in all of these activities in agricultural entrepreneurship? I was raised in a small town called Superior, located in south central Nebraska, during a time when the town was vibrant and growing. Although we lived in town, I had extended family in the farming community in both dairy and beef cattle. I helped out on the farms with milking, feeding calves, haying and most general chores around the farm. My wife, Jan, is also a native Nebraskan with extended family engaged in farming.
FTER YEARS OF service in the United States Air Force, my wife and I moved back to ANebraska. I have always enjoyed
LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s working with my hands, growing things and the challenges that Growing ornamental plants for the floral industry come with new projects. While I sounds great, but this endeavor has taken about seven was still in the military, the wine years to come to where it is today. industry in Nebraska began to take shape. This really caught my interest and I began attending workshops on growing grapes and learning as much as I could. After grow high-quality grapes while expanded our vineyard to three I finished my military service, we working closely with customers, acres and have added Traminette, moved back to Nebraska with a the wineries, to produce quality Frontenac and de Chaunac grapes vision to look for land to start a of grapes they desire. It was to our farm. We currently sell vineyard. We found the land we then that I determined to learn grapes to two Nebraska wineries: were looking for, but this farm all that I could about growing Makovicka Winery and James had no improvements on it; we grapes. I have attended Arthur Vineyards. We are also have literally had to build it from annual conventions, numerous active members of the Nebraska the ground up. workshops and other educational Winery and Grape Growers opportunities presented by the Association (NWGGA). University of Nebraska-Lincoln I feel you do not really understand UR FARM IS (UNL) and the Nebraska Wine the meaning of “a wine is only acres and is located and Grape Growers Association as good as the grapes it is made in Butler County, (NWGGA). I also became a reader from” until you have grown, Nebraska, near a of several publications on grape crushed, fermented and bottled small village called growing and wine making. All of your own wine. This process has OLoma. This area is unique as it this knowledge just increased my really impacted how I manage is called the Bohemian Alps, desire to grow grapes and, after my vineyard, because the flaws named after the strong Czech and we bought our land, we began I have on the vine will show up German heritage and made up of the process of turning our dream in the wine. For the time being, rolling hills and diverse timbered into a reality. we are content with raising valleys with spacious pastures high-quality grapes for the wine accented by tilled farm ground. industry. By working together, Our farm is diverse in nature and e have we are able to better work a first in many respects for this raised many through issues in the vineyard, area and for Nebraska. We have eyebrows in produce excellent grapes and a three-acre vineyard, we grow the farming make award-winning wines. We ornamental plants, called woody community are looking to do more in wine florals, for the floral and design aroundW here. We started out development in the future but we industries and we have started as an outsider since neither my have not settled on what that will our own cultivar black walnut wife’s family nor mine are from exactly entail. This may be estate and northern pecan orchard. this area. Skepticism and even wines, private labels, a winery or We also maintain virgin prairies, outright ridicule surrounded us a combination of some sorts. We maintain Conservation Reserve as we struck out working on the are in the process of developing Program acres, and rent out farm. Our dream, The Bohemian our vision for the future. tillable acres. Alps Vineyard, first took roots I first became interested in IN WITH OUR lRST HALF ACRE We are in a constant state of GROWING GRAPES APPROXIMATELY planting of LaCrosse and St. improving our processes and this years ago while still serving in the Croix grapes. We have since is key to being successful as an military. The grape industry was just starting in Nebraska and I was fascinated by it. Talking with Thinking outside of the box and then convincing friends in Sonoma, California, we others to pursue and stay on track in this research realized that just about anyone and development stage is a challenge in how to not can grow grapes but the key is to step on others’ toes and continue to move forward.
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE entrepreneur. We are currently conducting research on our vines I feel strongly that small farms are a key and vital that will be completed in the aspect to rural prosperity. coming years. We undertook this research in response to research we have read about in other countries with similar plantings. the Forestry Department at UNL the UNL Food Processing Center Our research includes things like in the research and development and the Nebraska Cooperative canopy management and under of this new industry to Nebraska. Development Center (NCDC) trellis and trellis management For example, the work that Dr. has enabled us to think outside practices. It is important to keep Scott Josiah has done provided the box and begin to develop abreast of research and do your us with the framework to start the Heartland Nuts-N-More own in order to remain on the a business. We initially worked Cooperative into a one-of-a-kind cutting edge. with Dr. Josiah in his research business. We have stereotypes plantings to include all aspects to overcome in the cultivar of plant identification and black walnut and the northern development for Nebraska soils, pecan markets. Creating niche A flourishing marketing and packaging. Based markets, such as locally grown on our research into current and heart healthy, takes time and business trends, market potentials and patience as well as a lot of creative the amount of stems it would funding. Thinking outside of the nother part of our take to be successful, we decided box and then convincing others diversified business to form a cooperative that to pursue and stay on track in is our one acre of NOW HAS MEMBERS &INDING this research and development ornamental plants, the right people with the right stage is a challenge in how to not called woody skills in marketing was a key step on others’ toes and continue Aflorals, which we grow for the to developing our strategy to move forward. wholesale floral and designer as a business. industries. We call this part of our business Willow Wood The more traditional aspect of our Gardens. We grow a variety of farm is the hay fields and row crop woody plants for harvest and Diversification ground. The virgin prairie fields sale as a dormant stem product. have diverse and rare plants about These stems are unique in color has been the key which we are learning continually. and shape and some are sold as Our hay is utilized by neighbors in forced flowering stems in the he newest part of their cow/calf operation. I rent the late winter. These stems are our operation is tilled ground to another neighbor traditionally used around the our orchard. We and he primarily raises soybeans holidays of Thanksgiving and have planted native and corn. Christmas and provide a winter- black walnut and long bouquet of color and design Tnorthern pecan trees that we in large container arrangements. will eventually graft scion wood hat we have Many large cities in the U.S. use on to for cultivar black walnuts tried to do these stems in such a manner. and pecans. The Nebraska with our farm Growing ornamental plants Nut Growers Association has is create an for the floral industry sounds conducted research for over example of great, but this endeavor has YEARS INTO NUT PRODUCTION Wwhat a small farm family may do taken about seven years to come and from this research we are to diversify in crop production to where it is today. Most of able to select the best cultivars through value-added agriculture, what we are doing has a direct to grow the healthiest nut thus creating or maintaining a correlation with work that UNL meats. Nut Production is a very yearlong cash flow. We have has completed in many of these challenging concept and business utilized marginal ground to areas. We have partnered with to develop. Working with UNL, improve income potential in a
LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s manageable program that we feel stream during the winter and and prosperous we may become. may provide enough income to into the spring. The grapes This combined with direct retail keep the family working on the utilize pasture ground and sales of our products to increase farm and not having to take extra, are harvested at the end of our revenue potential. I would off-farm employment. This we the summer. The nut meats, like to provide the opportunity to feel is important, especially with which function in a riparian be a resource for others to come young families. buffer, are harvested at the end and learn about what we are of fall. Prairie hay is harvested doing and how they may be able during summer while row to apply our concepts/practices to ow does this work? crops are harvested according to their situation. I think this is key To be specific, our the grain crop. woody florals to promoting prosperity in the planting is an I feel strongly that small farms agricultural sector. By being a example of a “row are a key and vital aspect to resource to others, we encourage crop”H that can be raised quite rural prosperity and the more growth that will help us all to be easily, in our case in a flood opportunities we can realize as more successful entrepreneurs in easement, creating a revenue small farmers, the more diverse agriculture
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE Photo: Lorraine Waldropt-Ferguson Photo: Lorraine Waldropt-Ferguson
LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s A passion for agriculture and for life
A young leader from the Caribbean tells her story and how fatherly advice gave her a passion for the land and agriculture.
/RUUDLQH:DOGURSW)HUJXVRQ “Agriculture is the only way forward for a sustainable world. It bears fruit to this world- food, welfare and most of all peace,” he said. the cows every morning before plant disease. But even when he school. Doulin was my favourite brought home fresh fruits and cow and my mother would scold vegetables from his day’s exploits me if I neglected her!” he would or he urged us to assist in our chant at his favourite nighttime backyard garden, I still didn’t get storytelling moments. On another his message. When my mom, a F day he would boast to my sister teacher, cooked her best dishes or as long as I can and I of how my grandmother remember, my dad has always of complex carbohydrates and successfully raised eight children been (and still is up to this day) healthy vegetables, I longed for out of farming and he beat his an avid advocate for agriculture the processed unhealthy foods my chest at the great respect my and its rightful place in a world friends enjoyed but I dared not grandfather earned as a manager of techno-industrial extremists. complain because natural food was of a large cocoa estate. Sadly, As a child I didn’t understand the status quo of my household. back then I was too preoccupied his passion. His yesteryear tales with cartoons and the best toy on of growing up with six brothers TV to appreciate his message. and two sisters, limited material and monetary wealth and As I got older, in my teenage Change begins abundant farm resources were years, my dad would come home y father’s message noise rather than music to my late after a hard day’s work as a finally began to ears. His recollection of being Government Agricultural Officer. unravel when I teased at school for his rural His sincere smile would be the entered University. chores and the hard work he and perfect interlude… but this time M I had decided to study Agriculture- his siblings had to endure just his fables were not about his not because I wanted to be like to put food on the table didn’t childhood but of farmers who daddy or my other paternal STIR MUCH EMOTION FROM MY S reaped a great crop on good days and maternal uncles and aunts mindset. “They used to call me and on bad days the frustration who were also into agriculture, cowboy because I used to tie they felt with a flood or bad but because I wanted an Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE easy educational path. Some when you stated that you were comfortable; this mode of work uninformed source told me an “agriculture student” you wasn’t my calling. agriculture was an easy major were ostracized and jeered and I jumped to it because “easy” because it was perceived to was my middle name. be an extension of “bush” ne day my dad science, a petty rural career not had a chat with My first University year marked fit amongst the engineering, me. At this time my transformation. My first business and medical hall of he had retired lesson- it’s a misconception that fame. I remember promising from the Ministry agriculture is easy! I learned that myself to make the leap to ofO Agriculture and he was now agriculture covers the widest another field of study for my managing the Prism Agri Estates scope imaginable. Sociology, post-graduate year as my Co. Limited, one of the largest biology, physics, engineering, peers discredited my humble diversified cocoa estates in the and economics- you name it all educational choice. The only region owned by a big local these subject areas fall under inspirational and motivational business man. “Come and work the umbrella of agriculture. I voice came from my family- on the estates, I guarantee you became aware of the challenges my ever supportive mother and your life will change by this farmers faced in a culture where by all means my encouraging experience. Then and only then will you understand the message I have been imparting to you My first lesson- it’s a misconception that all these years. Agriculture is agriculture is easy! the only way forward for a sustainable world. It bears fruit to this world- food, welfare and most of all peace,” he said. Dad who still had his message to share. Faced with the dilemma of what was “cool” versus what Upon graduation, I prayed hard I thought was “necessary”, I that my first job would be in decided to take up my Father’s an office where I could wear challenge as assistant manager pretty business suits like my to the estates and since then girlfriends and strut in heels my life has been nothing but like the executives do. Not that challenging! But there is a silver I abhorred tall boots, muddy lining to this story. fingers and toil in the sun, but I believed that this way was the Challenging indeed, my work life way to go. The Lord answered has been, but at the same time my prayers and I landed a job at growth-inducing… the Cocoa and Coffee Industry Board Office, smack in the middle of the capital of Trinidad, Port-Of-Spain. I first believed A year and several shoes and business outfits later, I came y growth curve to a stark realization- I wasn’t began from happy. I worked in the heart of the very first town; true Trinidadian style, day of work, I knocked glasses at many a baptism after-to-work social events ofM fire in the fields I called it. with my friends who worked Dealing with an out-of-classroom in the Government services experience and seeing the real She thought she would go through life and other Business Firms but world of crop husbandry and real in high heels… something was missing. I wasn’t LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s Upon graduation, I prayed hard that my first job would be in an office where I could wear pretty business suits like my girlfriends and strut in heels like the executives do. risks of disease, natural disaster and the human resource factor (aging but experienced labour force), I was surprised at the behind the scene details. But I reaped rewards amidst adversity. Within my first year on the estates, I acquired my Masters Degree in Agricultural Economics (my final year project, A Decision Support Model for Cocoa) and I learned how to grow my own food. The estates, challenging I must admit, but inspiring… Regular cars weren’t sufficient transport to the estates which were located in South (Henry Estate), Central (La Maraquita Estate) and Eastern (La Louisa) Trinidad; the terrain was very treacherous (and certain parts still are up to this day). So, I improved my driving skills and began driving a less dainty vehicle- a big 4 wheel van! So much so I mastered the wheel With her father on the cacao “plantation”. and became an even better driver than my husband! “Come and work on the estates, I guarantee you your life will change by this experience”. Hidden in the flavour was the prime ingredient I realized that the field was a challenge was also for premium dark chocolates. good place for a fight, especially an educational “A rare exquisite flavour well in the debate of traditional sought by elite confectionaries versus contemporary methods of escapade… for vintage chocolates,” I farming. For the first three years heard an Italian chocolate of my tenure on the estates I got discovered that Trinidad manufacturer say once at an into arguments with workers and Tobago possessed estate meeting. and my Dad. Why? They didn’t embrace the new technology and one of the best fine or The rural life was by all means farm management principles I had flavoured cocoa flavours challenging but self-changing as to offer and I couldn’t understand I in the world and that this well… Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE the applicability of their old have also traveled to Ghana, However, remembering the methods. Eventually we all came Africa, the Caribbean, London advice bestowed to me at the to a compromise in order to get the and the USA representing Costa Rica Forum by one of the estates on track. This experience Trinidad and Tobago in cocoa presenters from the IICA Center taught me more than conflict and agriculture- not a bad travel for Young Leaders in Agriculture, resolution. It made me see the resume for a farmer, I would Hernan Chiriboga- “Try to make versatility of combining old with say. Nevertheless, my most your farm work…knock on all new for goal accomplishment. I life-changing trip happened doors of opportunity, don’t give became more tolerant of other IN 3EPTEMBER WHEN ) up!”, I reenergized my optimism people’s beliefs and customs. represented Trinidad at the IICA and began my drive to save the Second Hemispheric Forum for estates from closure. Today, it’s a bustling economically Young Leaders in Agriculture TURBULENT YEAR THATS NEARLY in Costa Rica. I got the golden over. A whole new scenario: opportunity to meet many urthermore, another good, bad or indifferent awaits influential people- motivators, interesting thing IN 4HE WORLD RECESSION exemplars and young leaders happened on my has largely impacted the estates in agriculture like myself from return home after the due to financial crashes in the the Americas, Canada and the Forum. A woman who empire of the owner of the Caribbean. When I returned Fhas breast cancer, Paula Chester- farm and the viability of the home to Trinidad after the Cumberbatch, approached me company is threatened. But in Forum, I didn’t meet a perfect in a chance meeting and asked hindsight, I am thankful for the Prism Agri Estates; actually me for support in setting up an many lessons I have learned and things got worst as the prices organic farm to provide food most importantly my father’s declined drastically in the and counseling for adults and message is loud and clear in international cocoa market. children who are terminally ill. my mind. The uncertainty we now face on the estates with regard to financial sustainability is frightening, but my dad and I I realized that the field was a good place for a see it as the ultimate challenge. fight, especially in the debate of traditional versus contemporary methods of farming. Another source of inspiration trangely, the current situation has not made me regret my decision to enter the field. So many great Sthings have come my way since I answered my father’s call. My appreciation for the natural unprocessed menus my mother used to cook in years gone by has heightened and my health has improved as a result. And now, I influence others through the local newspaper to eat healthier Photo: D. Sukha and grow their own food. I The work on the farm both challenged and inspired her. 22 LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s My most life-changing trip happened in September 2009 when I represented Trinidad at the IICA Second Hemispheric Forum for Young Leaders in Agriculture in Costa Rica. The concept of the farm is- “Self- of food the highest priority time of war, economic turmoil, healing through eating organic”. on the list,” declared Chester- food shortage and poverty. But “My life has been tough, but, in Cumberbatch in her proposal. first, we need to understand retrospect it has been fairly easy Her clash with cancer has where the coffee came from. If as I always have the peace of unearthed a new commitment you guessed the source of the mind that things could be worse. to provide others with a healthy coffee as a well-conserved soil option to healing. and natural environment, insert the hard work by the farmers recent battle with and the supporting framework of all stakeholders such as the breast cancer t is for this reason that I fertilizer/chemical companies, the has also tested can never turn my back governments, the technological my spirit but as on agriculture. Agriculture and manufacturing sectors and with any other can surpass all boundaries other related agencies, then stumblingA block I choose to Iand make a difference in many you’ve hit the target. But any turn it into either a stepping lives. Incidentally, Chester- one of these facets can’t work stone or cornerstone. My Cumberbatch is but one of without the other, all is equally initiative, the Manzan Vista the new breed of proactive important. Appreciation of this Development is my cornerstone, agriculturalists emerging out fact will inspire pro-action in the conceptualized to provide others of a desire for a more food world agro-sector and hopefully with what I needed most to secure and poverty free world. hungry mouths will be fed and support my battle, i.e., physical This inspiration has led me to the future will be secure for re-engineering, psychological embark upon a new company upcoming generations. Perhaps, therapy, nutritional aide, and the with my dad specialized in the time has come for world environment to recuperate from agricultural consultancy and leaders to take heed of my dad’s my disease. The development’s other agro-services. primary intent is to use animal message- “Agriculture is the glue husbandry and organic farming In conclusion, the world will be a in the fabric of life; man can’t for the benefit of the terminally healthier place if we can just wake work if he can’t eat!” Food for ill, a healthy, wholesome source up and smell the coffee in this thought indeed! Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 23 Courtesy of Dos Pinos 24 LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s Dos Pinos: achieving better results by working together Learn more about this successful model agricultural cooperative in Central America and the battles it has won. 3DROD5RMDV*DUFLD 0HPEHURIWKH*URXSRI&RRSHUDWLYH/HDGHUV'RV3LQRV-RYHQ Dos Pinos has actively influenced the development of dairy-farming areas, where the changes that have taken place since the founding of the cooperative are remarkable. and the province of Guanacaste, member of the cooperative, in where it has acted as an agent order to share the development of economic democratization achieved with an increasingly F and a means of transferring large number of individuals or over six wealth from urban centers to and communities. decades, the cooperative model rural areas. has proven to be a successful development alternative in Drawing on the values of the Costa Rica’s dairy industry. cooperative movement, such as cooperation, justice, solidarity, Technology 7HAT BEGAN IN AS A GROUP mutual assistance, leadership, OF MILK PRODUCERS HAS at the service become a large organization humility and members’ well- THAT TODAY HAS MEMBERS being, Dos Pinos has actively of consumers and provides a source of income influenced the development FOR OVER PEOPLE IN of dairy-farming areas, where Since its earliest days, the Central America. the changes that have taken cooperative has made every place since the founding of the effort to employ state-of-the-art The cooperative model cooperative are remarkable. technology, to offer consumers implemented by the Cooperativa high-quality products that will de Productores de Leche Dos Most of the model’s success have a positive impact on their Pinos R.L. has had an impact stems from the creation of health. on a number of milk-producing the Administrative Council, regions in Costa Rica, including which comprises seven dairy Dos Pinos has a long list of the metropolitan area, the entrepreneurs who believe it operational achievements that northern and Caribbean regions, should be easy to become a reflect its status as a pioneer Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE in Costa Rica’s dairy industry. )N IT CONSTRUCTED THE first powdered milk plant in Costa Rica. Ten years later, it built the Animal Nutrition Laboratory, in Pavas, to produce feed concentrates for animals designed specifically to meet THEIR NUTRITIONAL NEEDS )N the cooperative introduced the system of refrigerated trucks, the first to be used in the country’s dairy industry, and the system of collecting fresh milk from farms, In 1955, it constructed the first powdered milk plant in Costa Rica. guaranteeing a plentiful supply. )N $OS 0INOS INTRODUCED the Tetra Brik packaging system, which facilitates milk distribution, and the Tetra Brik Asceptic system, extending its products’ shelf life to over three months and making it possible to transport and store them in very remote areas, as no refrigeration is required. As the Cooperativa de Productores de Leche Dos Pinos continues to GROW IN THE lRM PROCESSED At the beginning, there were only 25 pioneers. over one million kilos of milk per day for the first time. As the Cooperativa de Productores de Leche Dos Pinos A company continues to grow, in 2007 the firm processed over one million kilos of milk. focused on growth Dos Pinos’ first foray into the States, Mexico, Guatemala, El America. El Coyol, Alajuela: an international market was in Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama, the INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX OVER WHEN IT BEGAN EXPORTING Dominican Republic, Trinidad square meters in size that has to the Central American and Tobago and the Colombian production lines for ultra- countries. The Cooperative’s island of San Andres. pasteurized and fresh products, exports are now worth over and ice cream. These facilities 53 MILLION PER YEAR AND Dos Pinos also has the two largest were the first in Latin America the markets include the United dairy processing plants in Central and the Caribbean to produce 26 LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s specialized types of milk under complex technical conditions. The plant in San Carlos: produces Dos Pinos also has the two largest dairy processing powdered milk and cheeses, plants in Central America. PROCESSING LITERS OF MILK every day. There is also a plant in #IRUELAS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING ice cream, dairy creams, cheeses metric tons of feed for dairy cows Working with the Family and yogurt. per hour. In the short term, Dos Allowance Department of the Ministry of Health, Dos Pinos Pinos plans to manufacture food The Cooperative has always has also helped distribute milk for other species, such as poultry, been on the cutting edge as far as to poor families throughout pigs, horses, dairy goats, pets, the nutrition sciences and the country, at a special price. tilapia and shrimp. technology are concerned, This is a clear example of the developing a series of functional influence that the cooperative’s products that promote good efforts and commitment have consumer health. Dos Pinos benefits had on the nutritional health of Costa Ricans. the country os Pinos has added functional he contributions Health: its main ingredients to its made by Dos Pinos products that provide additionalD benefits, such as have had a positive business influence on the inulin, an active soluble fiber health of Costa that has prebiotic properties iven its unparalleled TRicans. The Cooperative’s and is present in products like nutritional character- greatest achievement in this field DisFruta, Yogurt Ice Cream, istics, milk is one of has been to make Costa Ricans 9OGURT )N,INE $UO AND the most complete one of the highest per capita G Natural Orange Juice. foods. The valuable contribution consumers of dairy products in it makes to nutrition is essential Latin America. at all stages of life. uality, innovation and It is estimated that the average Milk is the best source of calcium, technology, combined Costa Rican consumes nearly as well as of phosphorus, with the values of the LITERS OF DAIRY PRODUCTS PER magnesium, potassium and cooperative move- year, a figure only surpassed in ment,Q have maintained its vitamin D, which are needed the Americas by Uruguay and to guarantee good bone health customer base and are the keys Argentina, where consumption from childhood to adulthood, that will ensure its products will is around 233 liters per year. This to facilitate growth, keep the continue to appear on the tables of consumers - “Always producing means that the inhabitants of body healthy and prevent something better!” Costa Rica consume more dairy osteoporosis. products than citizens of other nations with higher levels of development, such as Colombia LITERS PER YEAR #HILE Innovation: the key "RAZIL AND -EXICO Dos Pinos offers over to its continued 400 different products High consumption of dairy divided into the categories products has done much to existence of milk, ice cream, dairy improve child nutrition levels, creams, cheeses and the average life expectancy of $OS 0INOS OFFERS OVER yogurt. Costa Ricans and national public different products divided health indices. into the categories of milk, Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 27 It is estimated that the average Costa Rican consumes nearly 200 liters of dairy products per year. LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s Dos Pinos offers over 400 different products divided into the categories of milk, ice cream, dairy creams, cheeses and yogurt. Program for Recycling Tetra Pak Packaging 1 ppealing to the All the cartons discarded at the cardboard boxes, other types country’s environ- plant are currently recycled. of paper and even advertising mental awareness, materials. Dos Pinos is implementing and in keeping with A a program to collect the As the plastic and aluminum its social responsibility, the cartons used by consumers. cannot be separated, they are Cooperative is promoting a Six municipalities, some turned into sheets that are used program for the recycling of its private collection centers as building materials and can Tetra Pak containers. and educational centers are replace melanin or fiber cement. The company’s production already involved. This project process mainly generates two is being carried out under the kinds of Tetra Pak cartons that company’s Environmental ther items produced can be recycled: Management initiative. are corrugated roofing Osheets, school desks - The cartons discarded at the The cartons are recycled by and even houses for pets. This plant, not used for quality means of a process that uses shows that recycling inputs and control and other reasons. water and agitation to separate adopting ecological innovations the paper from the plastic and the can lead to the creation of useful - The cartons that are aluminum. The paper extracted products that generate additional purchased and then thrown is used as raw material in the income for the businesses that away by consumers. paper industry to manufacture make them. 1 Dos Pinos. Project of the Environmental Management Department. Under the ISO 1401 standard. Contact Center: phone 2437-3535 Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE Photo: PRONACA LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s PRONACA: agricultural leadership from the heart of the Andean Region Five decades ago it was little more than a dream. Today, it is a vigorous agribusiness known for high value added production and a special relationship with suppliers and customers. 3DXO%HQDYLGHV0RVTXHUD ,QIRUPDWLRQDQG&RPPXQLFDWLRQ6SHFLDOLVW,,&$2IÀFHLQ (FXDGRUUHVSRQVLEOHIRUWHFKQLFDOFRRSHUDWLRQDFWLRQVLQWKH DUHDRIVHFWRUDODQGWUDGHUHODWHGLQIRUPDWLRQ This article contains a summary of public sector, contributing to an interview with one of the firm’s Ecuador’s development. It has founders and current Executive pioneered exports of agricultural President, Mr. Luis Bakker Jr., products with value added who says that everything started and recently began marketing with his interest in agriculture, locally developed brands in in particular a poultry operation international markets. on a farm owned by his parents. He began with commercial egg The company is especially proud production and then added the of its system of regular suppliers production of chicks. His first (“productores integrados”). company was called INDIA. This model has made it possible P PRONACA came into being in to promote the growing of RONACA is a THE S 4HE COMPANY HAS corn, rice, heart of palm and consolidated agribusiness that been, and always will be, willing artichokes, and produce poultry produces wholesome, quality to embark on new ventures and meat and beef in partnership food for Ecuador’s families. share its expertise and capabilities with hundreds of small- &OUNDED NEARLY YEARS AGO with others who have the same and medium-scale crop and it has since become one of agricultural vision and vocation, poultry farmers. The farmers Ecuador’s most important and has is especially interested in receive supplies of inputs and sources of employment. As a developing the countryside and technical assistance and their dynamic agribusiness, it ensures satisfying the needs of consumers production is then purchased that the activities of both the and customers. at fair prices. The company is company and producers are currently experimenting with carried out with integrity and PRONACA has created the production of sunflower and based on clear, transparent technology and established sorghum and manioc flour, with development programs in policies. In the early days, promising results. PRONACA stood for “The the countryside, designed National Poultry Processor” innovative production systems, The fertile countryside is a but once the company began with social and corporate source of great opportunities but diversifying and generating accountability with regard to most resources are underused. value added with new products matters such as protection of Successful initiatives have in other areas the name was the environment, support for shown that, with appropriate changed to “The National Food education and quality assurance. technology, high-yield seeds, Processor.” It has been respectful of the quality inputs and technical Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE assistance, it is possible to achieve higher productivity and It has pioneered exports of agricultural products with increase the financial return per value added and recently began marketing locally hectare. developed brands in international markets. Through its “integration” and agricultural extension programs, PRONACA promotes the long-term vision. Farmers investment in agricultural agricultural activities in receive cutting-edge genetic and industrial productivity. rural areas of Ecuador, technology in their seeds as well creating a stable market for the as a package of technology that f. Accountability. Strict farmers whose production it will allow them to increase their practices linked to purchases directly. yield per unit of surface area. environmental protection and social development. The company aims to tap the country’s agricultural potential Identity, values, g. Humility. Do not allow and obtain all its raw material achievements to go to from local farmers. As a private mission and vision your head. concern, it works with the State to create better conditions in PRONACA cultivates a set of t is a company that believes the countryside. Its goal is to corporate values that inspire its in its country, in its people, try to improve the quality of managers, technical personnel and in their development. life of rural dwellers and play a and workers to meet new service It is a leader in food quality part in a comprehensive poverty and production targets. Those and security, innovative reduction strategy. For the last values include the following: Iand creative, with a keen sense two years, it has been a member of social responsibility, concerned of the Inclusive Business Program to maintain a balance in the promoted by the National a. Quality. Products and environment. Its vision is to Government, through the processes in which the be a leader and an innovative Ministry for the Coordination of consumer can have total enterprise in the national and Social Development, supported confidence. international food industry, by the Business Council for satisfying consumers and the Sustainable Development b. Integrity. Work based on customers with optimal quality of Ecuador (CEMDES) and honesty and transparency, and excellent service. the Netherlands Cooperation and clear, transparent Service (SNV). standards. c. Innovation. Continuous he firm works with improvement in products PRONACA and farmers in a partnership and services. Research and the agricultural that is mutually development with the best beneficial. Farmers technology. “wheel of success” Tknow that the sale of their d. Leadership. Pioneers in areas production is guaranteed, of agricultural, industrial This is a didactic way of while PRONACA has suppliers and service development. describing the systematic and who offer raw materials of the interdependent operation of highest quality. It is a win-win e. Progress. Dignified employ- several factors, including: process that never loses sight of ment is created with a. High-quality seeds. Certified products to achieve PRONACA promotes agricultural activities in optimal results in terms of rural areas of Ecuador, creating a stable market for the productivity and efficiency. farmers whose production it purchases directly. 32 LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s Workers at heart of palm packing plant. The firm works with farmers in a partnership that is mutually beneficial. Farmers know that the sale of their production is guaranteed, while PRONACA has suppliers who offer raw materials of the highest quality. b. Nutrition and health. Good- quality, environmentally- friendly agricultural inputs. c. Good crop management. Use of economic and human resources. d. Infrastructure. Access to equipment and new technology with specialized technical support. All this is underpinned by permanent marketing, sales and quality customer service. The company has a large, efficient Its success can be attributed to these factors. food distribution system that has become one of its strengths in the marketplace. Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 33 PRONACA’s agricultural programs y means of these programs, PRONACA aims to boost national production Bsubstantially, with its efforts underpinned by good agricultural practices and formal agreements with farmers. The activities generate wealth throughout the chain and employment in rural areas of the country, and savings in foreign exchange. An “integration” model is used that provides support to farmers throughout the cultivation phase, with the purchase of their production guaranteed. )N CONTAINERS WERE BEGAN IN AND CURRENTLY PRONACA’s agricultural produced and exported each INVOLVES FARMS IN THE programs include: MONTH WITH FARMERS Sierra, Santo Domingo and involved in the program. Bucay. The program accounts a. Rice program. In operation )N ).!%80/ WAS FOR APPROXIMATELY OF SINCE )NVOLVES created and development the company’s chicken meat farmers in the areas of Daule of heart of palm production production and is targeting and Babahoyo, who receive GOT UNDER WAY )N OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE it became, and continues hectares are cultivated. Per to be, the world’s largest f. Beef program. A Livestock HECTARE PRODUCTIVITY IS exporter of heart of palm. Genetic Improvement higher than the national Program was implemented d. Artichoke program. average and the program to improve the quality #OMPRISES FARMERS PROVIDES DIRECT JOBS and standard of the meat involved in the project in and thousands of indirect jobs. produced. An “integration” Carchi, Imbabura, Pichincha, program for stock raisers b. Corn program. Comprises Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, is also planned, providing FARMERS AND AND #HIMBORAZO WITH qualified technical assistance hectares of corn are planted hectares under cultivation. and based on management, EACH YEAR &ARMS ARE A new product with a viable feeding, health and biosafety times more productive export market (the main programs that comply with than other production units one being the USA). in their respective areas. PRONACA standards. PRONACA purchases an e. Poultry program. This AVERAGE OF METRIC was the company’s first Under its “integration” programs, tons of corn, equivalent to “integration” program. It PRONACA receives corn, rice, ROUGHLY OF %CUADORS total harvest. An “integration” model is used that provides support c. Heart of palm program. to farmers throughout the cultivation phase, with the )NVOLVES HECTARES OF purchase of their production guaranteed. heart of palm plantations. 34 LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s heart of palm, artichoke and fattening chickens at collection PRONACA’s research and development division is the centers located in all of key to the company’s continued progress. Ecuador’s productive regions, sharing technology, knowledge and recommendations in the promotes the cultivation of meat products, canned foods, countryside with the farmers rice, corn, soybean and other rice, sea products, foods with who form part of the programs. crops, through “integration” value added and foods for export. programs under which it offers Quality-assured inputs and different alternatives through permanent technical assistance a broad range of products PRONACA’s mean that, working with for which credit is available PRONACA, farmers achieve Agricultural and technical assistance is higher production and better provided. Research quality and have smaller losses PRONACA has also opened up and their operations become new fields in the food sector with more profitable. he goal of the research programs is to improve farmers’ productivity by means of trials of the crops Tthat PRONACA uses as raw material, to incorporate them successfully into the formal agricultural sector. PRONACA’s research and development division is the key to the company’s continued progress. With its emphasis on scientific studies and the implementation of new technologies, the aim is to introduce innovations into operating processes and develop new products, and thereby make crops more competitive, efficient and profitable. Agricultural support unit The Industrial and Agricultural Corporation, INDIA, is the PRONACA agricultural unit that provides services to crop farmers and poultry and livestock producers, offering quality products and inputs and technical assistance programs. INDIA PRONACA encourages producers to increase their yields. Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE now experimenting with fruits technical assistance, oversees and vegetables. Go to La Estancia the animals, etc. Everything (farm) on the weekends to get required to achieve a first-rate out of the city. My father knew product and, above all, to ensure what he wanted sixty years ago. a fair purchase and price. That (A leader must always have a is how we operate, and we do clear vision).” not leave our partners to fend for themselves at any point in “If you do not take things the chain. The price established seriously and do not worry about ensures stability in spite of the how much you could lose, you many ups and downs. Sometimes get fat and life passes you by, you we turn a big profit but on other do not enjoy your success. Only occasions, we lose our investment. when you have had to struggle to These contracts ensure stability achieve your goals do you really for the suppliers. Changing the ENJOY IT &OR EXAMPLE IN producers’ mindset has been a there was an outbreak of typhoid challenge. We encourage them to on one of our farms and we lost view themselves as entrepreneurs all the laying hens and the eggs who negotiate on equal terms for incubation. We went to the with other companies, where Ministry of Agriculture to request the premise is one of “win-win.” import permits, I traveled to Peru We began in the highlands, then AND BROUGHT BACK MILLION expanded to include areas closer eggs. The situation was so serious to home. The most important I could not sleep, I developed Luis Bakker Jr., visionary founder and thing is to grow with values, the chronic fatigue syndrome, I current Executive President of PRONACA. team we have created here at was sick with worry, we were PRONACA is the success factor. According to Mr. Bakker, his father knew what he wanted 60 years ago, because he, like all leaders, had a Success factors clear vision of the future. RONACA’s Executive President, Mr. Luis bankrupt. My children saw me People feel they play a key role Bakker Jr., says it was his in that state and then watched on the road to success and that father who invited him to me recover. That has made them the company belongs to them. I Pventure into a different country, responsible people, because they have now passed on leadership of with different customs, and take have experienced all sides of life.” the company to Juan Rivadeneira on new challenges. “What we are and my role is to provide support, now is what he envisioned. In a after making all the decisions for letter, he listed the seven things OVER YEARSv that we had to do. Have a lot of PRONACA, hens and pack the eggs in dozens an attractive “This has allowed to me to be more in cardboard boxes. Breed male of a strategist than an executor. chicks separately for fattening. production model This has breathed new life into Have plenty of bees, to pollinate the company and the change has the flowers and obtain honey. for farmers been a positive one. The success Grow lots of flowers to sell. Have achieved is down to the work of a small shop in Quito to sell the “We call the model “integration.” each employee. This change of eggs, chickens, honey, flowers, The “integrator” is the person management, our belief in what etc. (we never did that). We are who delivers inputs, provides we do, our excellent professionals 36 LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s Changing the producers’ mindset has been a challenge because the company treats them as entrepreneurs we negotiate with on equal terms, always seeking “win-win” situation. and the fact that we are not afraid to take, the idea is not just to much you are willing to lose, not to lose have also permitted us to live life for life’s sake but to live how much you want to make. have faith and venture into other for “something,” know exactly Using that approach, I propose markets. For example, PRONACA where you are headed, not just scenarios that protect me from and its regular suppliers anywhere. Without a goal, you failure and ensure me success. (integrados) now have the biggest may end up anywhere or get Our success has been due to our heart of palm exporting company there too late.” readiness to venture into new areas, to take risks.” in the world. “One tip I received that worked for me was that you have to have a vision. One time I took PRONACA three small pieces of paper and I Successful wrote, “I want to own my own and its impact house.” I put one piece of paper experiences on Ecuador’s in my wallet, another in my desk and kept the third in my room. r. Pedro Riera, a farmer economy How I obtained my house is not in the area of Mata important (my father lent me Mde Cacao, a regular “I gauge the firm’s impact in money, I took out a bank loan, supplier (“integrado”) since more than simply financial terms. I saved). Today I own my own SAYS h3ECURITY IS WORTH house. The important thing is Ultimately, it is something more MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSEv that I set my sights on that goal permanent, the businesslike There is no downside to working and I achieved it. Then I wrote approach people have adopted in with PRONACA, we have the that I wanted to own my own their activities. Farmers now rely inputs we need, a guaranteed company, and I have achieved on us, and on others, and many buyer, access to credit, and that. I was a little more ambitious companies believe in and rely first-rate technical personnel to and I wrote down “I want to be on their suppliers. Our principle advise us on what we should do. millionaire,” like the television PRONACA is truly transforming has always been that we must program, and here we are.” small farmers into agricultural “inspire confidence.” Then there entrepreneurs.” is the willingness to share - we “Another key thing is to maintain share our research, our mistakes the good reputation you achieve, Ms. Soledad Montenegro, a and the lessons learned. We share having and building a good farmer who has been involved in all these experiences with our reputation is very important, but the “integration” scheme since partners to make them feel part also a tricky thing. Credibility.” AND PRODUCES ARTICHOKES says, “In this activity it is of the business.” “I would also advise important not only to receive but entrepreneurs to measure what also to give, and I have found that they have achieved. Unless you PRONACA’s management and compare your dreams with your To achieve workers apply that philosophy. accomplishments and establish They are concerned not only to success timeframes, they will never be produce as much as possible but more than good intentions. The also to protect the soil and the idea is to convert them into goals. “You must have a goal, be clear environment. My experience You can’t just say, “I want such about where you are headed has been good because we are and such,” you have to focus on and what you want to be, and not just buyers and sellers; we “when I am going to achieve it.” understand what you are doing. are partners in a joint project. It is like being on a ship and “Above all, you must be prepared My problems are their problems, embarking on an adventure. But to take a loss. In any business, my successes are their successes you must know what direction you have to think about how and we also share our failures” Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 37 Photo: NL Stevia S.A. LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s The challenge: to help sweeten the world In Paraguay, a native plant has generated an interesting experience in leadership. The firm is known as NL Stevia. )DEUL]]LR-DYLHU=XFFKLQL$OPLURQ ,QIRUPDWLRQDQG'RFXPHQWDWLRQ6SHFLDOLVW,,&$2IÀFHLQ3DUDJXD\ The plant in its natural state has long been used by Guarani natives as a sweeter. possible not only to increase the eastern part of the country, production capacity, but also to growing in sandy soil with good build a new processing plant in drainage. Caaguazu, which is even further L away from the capital. he plant in its natural state has long been NThis revolution, even though used by Guarani in the early stages and barely Stevia is a company which, natives as a sweeter. noticeable in economic terms, looking ahead to the future and Between the end of has taken place thanks to heavy TTHE th and beginning of the with an eye to changing eating demand for Stevia, given the th habits around the globe, has centuries, a scholar named fact that it is safe for use by 3 begun to industrialize Stevia, a Moises Bertoni obtained humans and to the growing samples of ka´a he´, which he nontraditional crop of Paraguay, interest in the product shown gave the botanical name Stevia known locally as ka´a he´e, by the most important beverage Rebaudiana Bertoni. which is gaining in popularity by manufacturers in the world. leaps and bounds. All of this would be simply an Less than a year after the anecdotal comment on one inauguration of its plant in more crop in a country where 9PACARAI SOME KM FROM THE The story agriculture prevails were it not capital Asuncion, this company for its extraordinary qualities, has had a major economic and behind Stevia especially that of being a social impact in communities zero-calorie sweetener. In its located in poor areas of the Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni, known natural state, Stevia can be country. In addition, agreements as ka´a he´ or simply Stevia, is a TO TIMES SWEETER THAN with important multinational plant which still grows in the sugar, and in processed form up companies will soon make it wild in Paraguay, in particular in TO TIMES 1 Ka´a he´e is the common name for stevia in the Guarani language. It means Sweet Herb. 2 Moises Bertoni (1875-1929) was a Swedish scientist, researcher and writer who lived in Paraguay for most of his life. Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE Paraguay is in a position to become the leading producer and make Stevia one of its principal export products. -VJ\ZLZVMHJ[PVU his product has many ;VPUJYLHZL[OL[V[HSHYLH\UKLYJ\S[P]H[PVU[VOLJ[HYLZJ\YYLU[S` beneficial properties ZVTL OLJ[HYLZ and is currently ;VPUJYLHZL]HS\LHKKLK[OYV\NOP[ZPUK\Z[YPHSPaH[PVU marketed as a ;VKLJSHYL7HYHN\H`[OLWSHJLVMVYPNPUVM:[L]PH sweetener for food, asT a medication to treat diabetes ;VVWLUTHYRL[ZMVY:[L]PHPU[OL,\YVWLHU The first processing plant opened in 2008. LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s NL Stevia is one of the leading companies in terms of adding value to primary production. The challenge NL Stevia is one of the leading cultivating Stevia and their companies in terms of adding other crops and to provide each ahead value to primary production, family with support in the areas a process which takes into of health and nutrition. L Stevia, whose consideration all the links of The company implemented a plant was the chain. traceability system that makes it inaugurated in possible to identify each one of $ECEMBER ITS GROWERSSUPPLIERS AS processes Steviol The NL model well as the product they deliver NGlycosides, which give the leaves to the company’s collection their sweet taste, and has the center. capacity to produce up to 24 tons NL Stevia is a participatory Of course, quality standards OF PURE 3TEVIA PER YEAR and inclusive business which are a part of the manufacturing The second plant, expected to be has adopted a “win-win” process at the plant, which is BUILT IN WILL HAVE A CAPACITY approach. Senior managers certified by the International OF TONS A YEAR meet periodically with family Organization for Standardization To date, Paraguay has long been farmers from different regions (ISO) and complies with the mostly a supplier of raw material. who supply the raw material, HAACP (Hazard Analysis Today, the vision is changing and agreeing to purchase their and Critical Control Points ) more and more businesses there harvests. They also pledge to standards defined by the Codex are venturing into processing. advise them on techniques for Alimentarius Quality standards are a part of the manufacturing process at the plant. Entrepreneurs and producers entered into a win-win partnership. Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE Photo: Rafa Cartín 42 LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s Leadership in agricultural information services: The SIDALC initiative Learn how, thanks to technical cooperation provided by IICA, more than 150 institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean have been able to operate an agricultural information and documentation system dealing with agriculture, the environment, food and related topics in the hemisphere. )HGHULFR6DQFKR +HDGRI3XEOLFDWLRQVDQG'RFXPHQWDWLRQDW,,&$ organize, store and disseminate AVAILABLE BILLION USERS AND important information as and BILLION EMAILS -OREOVER when required. Of course, over SCIENTIlC BOOKS ARE the last two decades the ways published every day. Figures in which organizations do this like these make it obvious that have changed drastically. The human beings are incapable of digital information society is managing all the information very different from its analogue that is produced. According to M predecessor. Information that Google Inc., consumers already ost was previously hard to come by people today are familiar with SPEND UP TO HOURS PER WEEK is now available in abundance, on the Internet, the same the concept that information and knowledge is multiplying amount of time they devote to equals power. Information is very rapidly. Since the Internet watching television. therefore a key resource for the was created and it began to development of the agricultural The huge amount of content be used intensively as more and forestry sector in general and or information available is than a communication tool, as an element of the leadership undoubtedly a problem that the way in which knowledge is of institutions that promote the contemporary societies have to shared and generated has been sector. This calls, among other address, and the agricultural revolutionized. things, for well-defined strategies and forestry sector is no for the management and use We have all become so exception. A search for the word of information by producers dependent on the platform that “agriculture” using the Google and policymakers interested in the Internet provides today. ENGINE GENERATED overarching objectives such as There are tens of millions of entries in Spanish and efficiency, quality, innovation, WEBSITES BILLION DOCUMENTS IN %NGLISH &ACED competitiveness and continuous learning. Information management The huge amount of content or information available is within organizations refers to undoubtedly a problem that contemporary societies have the latter’s capacity to identify, to address. Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 43 with such an abundance of data Most of the institutional information and content is on the Web, users or consumers not on the Internet, either because it is not available or of content - in our case, researchers, transfer agents, gets lost in the bureaucracy, or simply because there is no extension workers, academics, solid culture for sharing our knowledge. students and producers - require and demand specialized systems sidalc.net The website has a that will provide them with The agricultural SEARCH ENGINE !GRI THAT capsules of timely information information and provides access to the digital tailored to their needs. collections available, including Given the abundance of documentation full-text documents, audiovisual data available, it may seem alliance of materials and photographs. paradoxical that organizations SIDALC is also a member of other are faced with another the Americas agricultural, environmental and problem: how to organize the (SIDALC): Ten forestry information systems information they themselves based in several countries of the produce and thus prevent the years of experience Americas, thus permitting the institutional memory from actors in agriculture and rural territories access to information being lost. Most of their original IDALC is an and knowledge related to those information and content is not international infor- areas via a single website. on the Internet, either because mation service on it is not available or gets lost agriculture and SIDALC’s success is based on the in the bureaucracy, or simply related subjects fact that it has interconnected the because there is no solid culture Sinvolving a group of institutions huge intellectual capital available for sharing our knowledge. based in 23 countries of the IN AT LEAST NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL Where should all that valuable Americas that network to information institutions and information be? And, who could share full-text documents and networks. By providing a help us organize it? reference information. Created link for the management and Libraries have been responsible IN WITH FUNDING FROM dissemination of information, it for identifying, organizing and the Kellogg Foundation, it has has encouraged the institutions disseminating information since become one of the most to permanently expand and for hundreds of years. By important platforms for accessing modernize their services in line safeguarding a great deal of the knowledge in LAC. It currently with the new paradigms of the world’s memory, they facilitated PROVIDES ACCESS TO MILLION information society. Supporting the construction of new REFERENCES AND OVER FULL the different levels and processes knowledge. Described below text documents stored in 266 of modernization has been is the experience acquired by national databases maintained one of IICA’s tasks for over six OVER ,ATIN !MERICAN AND by specialized agricultural decades, strengthening libraries Caribbean institutions that, institutions. The service and specialized information with technical cooperation from facilitates access to information units in the hemisphere as well the Inter-American Institute organized by libraries and as the professionals involved in for Cooperation on Agriculture other documentation centers providing their services. specializing in agricultural, (IICA), for the last ten years have In fact, SIDALC grew out of earlier been operating an information livestock, environmental, forestry and related subjects. initiatives aimed at knowledge and documentation service for and information management, all agriculture and related areas in SIDALC is an open access promoted by IICA. These include the hemisphere. The network service that does not require the Orton Commemorative is a leader in ideas, concepts registration; the address is www. ,IBRARY FOUNDED IN THE and practices for managing this enormous resource for agriculture, the environment SIDALC is an open access service that does not require and food in the Americas. registration; the address is www.sidalc.net 44 LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s Scientific Exchange Service 3)# CREATED IN THE Inter-American Association of Agricultural Librarians, Documentalists and Information Specialists (AIBDA), founded in AND THE )NTER !MERICAN Agricultural Information System !'2).4%2 CREATED IN The implementation of the SIDALC was made possible thanks to the technical leadership assumed by IICA and CATIE and the participation of a large number of national, regional and international institutions that, for over a decade, have unselfishly promoted the idea that “sharing information is power.” These organizations and their countries have benefited directly by reorganizing their services and making them more visible, which also makes an effort of this kind more sustainable. The implementation of the SIDALC was made possible thanks to the technical leadership assumed by IICA and CATIE. n that sense, SIDALC can be said to be multifunctional, because it is, first and information professionals with a describe the CDS/ISIS version foremost, a community great capacity to meet knowledge for personal computers) under of agricultural, forestry needs. different formats as MARC, ECLAC and others. Iand other information specialists SIDALC is also flexible and located in different institutions extremely respectful of its In fact, this is SIDALC’s biggest of the Americas interested in members. Member institutions competitive advantage, since an providing open access services. are clearly identified and open hemispheric system linking As members of a permanent SIDALC respects the policies of consortium, they form a virtuous OVER NATIONAL NETWORKS those who charge for delivering facilitates the sharing of data and circle, collaborating with one their services. The tool is not a another to “share a little so that all interoperability, affords access “straitjacket” or an exclusive type to specialized knowledge using can have more.” The specialized of structure. On the contrary, it librarians are responsible for a meta search engine called adopts a wide range of standards, developing the information !'2) AND MAKES IT POSSIBLE methodologies and databases architecture of their respective to share search results with any keyed to each organization and countries, making them key part of the world via the Web. country. The most important players in the development of sources of information are Another of the system’s strengths SIDALC’s content. Involved catalogues developed with is its content. The fact that it is in providing the service are at databases in MICROISIS (the able to integrate entire collections LEAST AGRICULTURAL AND OTHER name most commonly used to of libraries specializing in 1 CDS/ISIS is an advanced non-numerical information storage and retrieval software developed in 1985 by UNESCO. It was developed to meet the need identified by many institutions, especially in developing countries, to speed up their information management activities with the use of modern, relatively inexpensive technologies (UNESCO, 2008). Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE More than an online information service that benefits thousands of Web surfers, SIDALC is a mechanism for permanent dialogue. agriculture is a “seal of quality” dissemination and transfer of experts, who should as far as the available materials successful experiences in this field. be integrated into their are concerned. The institutions organizations’ knowledge More than an online information are increasingly uploading full- production processes. The service that benefits thousands texts versions of their intellectual model of “working within of Web surfers, SIDALC is a production, which is another plus. four walls” is not only mechanism for permanent It guarantees that the content is inefficient but also outdated. dialogue among information very important and keyed to the specialists who, within the interests of productive sectors. s "Y INCORPORATING ORGANIZED framework of each country’s Many organizations are also very original content or the agricultural information network, keen to organize the knowledge indigenous knowledge of our meet to propose solutions to referred to as the “institutional countries. Gray literature common information problems, memory,” ensuring that it is such as theses, reports and including: lack of access, failure preserved and used and avoiding project documents give to establish policies, information the duplication of previous work. greater, unique value to illiteracy, misuse of technologies, the idea of sharing full- A further positive aspect of the lack of resources and integration text information that is system has to do with the users and the duplication of efforts. not available in commercial of SIDALC, who, like any other Consequently, as SIDALC systems. service, drive its development. At celebrated its tenth anniversary THE BEGINNING OF 3)$!,# IN THE MEMBERS DECIDED s "Y FACILITATING ACCESS TO THOSE authorized the Google search to call it “The Alliance” for and other collections that engine to index its content and agricultural, food-related, date from before the digital since then the average number environmental and forestry age, digitizing/preserving of visits to the site has risen from information and knowledge. historical printed material of NEARLY PER MONTH TO great intellectual value. PER DAY IN ))#! RECENTLY signed an agreement with Google s "Y AVOIDING MAKING that will allow members of How can investments in static SIDALC to begin digitizing old websites with little visibility lLES THAT WILL BE VISIBLE ON organizations that are difficult to integrate the Web. into larger information become leaders systems. Efforts that are Another outstanding characteristic in the field of isolated or separate from of SIDALC is that, with the follow- the main currents of up provided by IICA and the agricultural knowledge production are support of its member institutions, information? often unsustainable and a it is possible to mobilize human very expensive drain on the resources and information already limited resources between countries and regions. s "Y STRENGTHENING THE being invested in knowledge This serves as a catalyst for change, work of their information management. promotes and gives support to specialists, including national information management librarians, documentalists, s "Y RECOGNIZING AT BOTH THE initiatives and encourages the communicators and IT national and international 2 Today, it is visited by 130 million Internet users per day, and Newsweek magazine ranks it among the best search engines in the world. 46 LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s Providing individuals with information is not the same thing as solving their problems. levels, the importance of methodologies and useful When designing solutions, it setting up information content available on the Web. is vital to define the end users networks via libraries and and their needs and ways to specialized documentation s "Y LINKING UP WITH reach them with pertinent centers that can share international information information. This is one of the resources. Given the systems, a key requirement most complicated aspects of abundance of information in the processes of accrediting information management; needs available, networking is the the quality of institutional are always very volatile and no only viable option. services, for example in the one asks for something of which case of university courses. they are unaware. s "Y ESTABLISHING INTER Providing individuals with institutional consortia s "Y SHARING EXPERIENCES information is not the same that permit better use of with specialists and thing as solving their problems. resources and greater access institutions at the global Providing solutions to their to specialized data banks. level, which helps to identify opportunities and problems means possessing both useful information and the ability s "Y INCREASING USERS find solutions to common to place it in the context of the demand for services and problems. user and his or her surroundings. the positive impact on the reference services of s "Y MAKING THEIR INSTITUTIO The new trends related to specialized libraries in rural nal collections visible knowledge management, which is communities with limited worldwide via sidalc.net and very fashionable in contemporary Internet connections. google.com organizations, have created fresh and innovative opportunities for s "Y IMPROVING USERS Apart from the computers and Web repositioning and modernizing information skills and access of our institutions’ “expert the information services that exist their involvement with users” or “immediate clients,” it in the Americas, mainly libraries. the new information is still difficult to pinpoint and The opportunities created in the and communication verify concrete results in the future will be extremely useful technologies. form of communities, and local for agricultural leaders who are actors such as farmers, who are willing to implement the changes s "Y TAKING ADVANTAGE OF already taking advantage of the needed to fashion a more open access to the tools, services available. prosperous world Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 47 Courtesy of Lola Molina LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s Lola’s remarkable career change: from sportswoman to farmer Cycling imbued her with discipline and perseverance. Meet Guatemalan Lola Molina, a woman who put the sport’s core values into practice on her dairy farm and believes in people’s capacity to learn and be better human beings. ,QWHUYLHZ +HUQDQ&KLULERJD&RRUGLQDWRURIWKH&HQWHUIRU/HDGHUVKLSLQ$JULFXOWXUH :ULWHU 6HUJLR3DFKHFRMRXUQDOLVW,,&$2IÀFHRI3XEOLF,QIRUPDWLRQ champion, twice taking first place was a child for horses, dogs, and in the Women’s Tour of Guatemala animals of every kind. My family and twice participating in the had a farm in the Department Olympic Games, where she gave of Izabal that we used to visit an outstanding performance in every two weeks. There I had the road racing discipline. the opportunity to be close to nature. It was there I developed Lola is now a successful a desire to study something farmer, having implemented a related to animals; I considered management model based on biology, veterinary medicine, scientific and practical research P and animal husbandry. I didn’t on the Rancho Figueras family edal as hard as know exactly what to study but farm. Use of the model has led to you can till you cross the I knew it had to be something finishing line” was the simple improved productive processes that would allow me to be close but extraordinary formula that on the dairy farm and optimized to animals. When it came time Maria Dolores Molina used procedures that guarantee to go to college, I enrolled at the in her sporting career. Better efficiency and high productivity. School of Veterinary Medicine known as Lola Molina in her The Center for Leadership in and Animal Husbandry. I liked native Guatemala, the former animal husbandry best and that cyclist who won medals in Agriculture decided to talk to international competitions now Lola about her achievements and was what I majored in. I’ve applies the same commitment to the values that enabled her to always loved being in contact initiatives aimed at developing become the woman she is today. with nature and that was why an agricultural enterprise I also liked to exercise and got specializing in green business started in cycling. and training. How did you get to where you are today? She blazed a trail for sportswomen What was the key to your in her country. Her many First, it is due to my parents, who achieving your goals? achievements included winning have always been an example the Central American cycling to me of how people should Perseverance. In cycling, you time trial championship, being live their lives. Second, it is due have to be constant, day after crowned Pan American cycling to the passion I have felt since I day, and be patient, as nothing Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE as water. This can be achieved through training, but a few days ago I heard that only three percent of Guatemalan farmers participate Courtesy of Lola Molina in some form of training. What do decision-makers need to know to promote rural development? Finnish friend once told me that when a woman was placed in charge of his country’s Organic cheeses already are being produced on Lola’s family farm, Rancho Figueras. agricultureA she took advantage of every political speech she made to stress that the biggest need in is achieved overnight. In cycling, and taught me to be methodical agriculture was training. There is your legs have to be able to and to organize and plan. Riding no other way; we have to educate endure long distances, for which a bicycle is not a simple thing, all our people, from children perseverance is essential. The because everything has to be to adults. We need to make an same could be said of farming. planned with a lot of discipline, enormous training effort to help even your diet and your rest. us achieve better results. Rancho You must respect the need for Figueras wants to become a How did you begin your planning by being as disciplined technical institute for training dairy operation and how as possible. In our culture, you in the use of inseminators, did you make it work? are not taught to be disciplined or milking machines, biodigesters, to persevere and become better, etc. Many people in our sector I have great respect for nature. so it is difficult for us to achieve people are afraid to invest in When I became involved in cycling our goals sometimes. people; a lot of farmers invest and then found myself the mother in tractors, but not in people. A of two small children, I didn’t have big problem is the fact that there time for animal husbandry and are not enough schools in rural agriculture. I gave genetics classes How have you implemented areas to train people and training at university and I liked that a lot, the new production model them in the cities is a non-starter. but for nearly ten years I couldn’t at Rancho Figueras? One solution is for farmers to devote time to agricultural Rancho Figueras is a success take an interest in training their activities. After participating in the because of the capacity of its workers. That is our main Olympic Games on two occasions, human resources. We know concern, so our farm is a place I felt I had achieved my goals in that teamwork ensures the well- with better human beings. sport and realized my dream. So, being of everyone. We are also I decided to return to agricultural convinced that training our activities, which has made me What is your goal for people put us on the road to very happy. your farm? success. There would be enough food for everyone in the world Our farm began operations if we respected nature and IN SO WE HAVENT BEEN What values that are protected its basic resources, such working for long, but I want us to important in sport have you applied to your work in the agricultural sector? For Lola, training people is the cornerstone of her Discipline. Sport is a lifestyle that efforts to promote their development. permeated every facet of my life LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s Leader Full name: Maria Dolores Molina Date of birth: !UGUST by vocation Country: Guatemala Profession: Animal husbandry Sport: Cycling process our own dairy products. fair trade. We sell high-quality be a “green island,” because the That is our goal. Our products milk and are launching the first production models in our area should reach consumers who cheeses we have managed to are destroying the soil. I tell appreciate organic products. I produce organically. We also many farm owners that in a few realize it’s an uphill struggle, produce part of the energy we years their business will become just as it was when I was a require using a biodigester and untenable, because they are competing cyclist, because in are improving our land with using productive models that do the milk business there is no organic fertilizers. We aim to not respect nature Perseverance and discipline are characteristics that this successful woman managed to transfer from sport to agriculture. Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE Trends LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s According to experts, emotional intelligence is essential in creating successful businesses. Learn why. Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s Emotional Intelligence: The secret of successful entrepreneurship? Attempting to find the secret of success of certain entrepreneurs, researchers today tend to focus on the world of emotions. $P\(%RUHQ3K' ,QWHUQDWLRQDO/LDLVRQ5HVHDUFK$VVLVWDQW3URIHVVRU,QVWLWXWHRI$JULFXOWXUHDQG1DWXUDO5HVRXUFHV 8QLYHUVLW\RI1HEUDVND/LQFROQ6SHFLDOLVWLQ/HDGHUVKLS&HQWHUIRU/HDGHUVKLSLQ$JULFXOWXUH,,&$ research indicates that positive emotions may enhance entrepreneurial creativity, including opportunity recognition. some academics have called for ,OCKE 0OSITIVE EMOTIONS a shift in the focus of research in also influence an entrepreneur’s entrepreneurship; a shift away ability to turn past experiences from the individual characteristics into present solutions through of entrepreneurs and toward the heuristic processing (Baron, interactions of the entrepreneur AND TO DEAL EFFECTIVELY E with others, and with his or her with the persistent stress ntrepreneurship... environment. #ARVER 3CHEIER THAT the very term is redolent with the often plagues entrepreneurs. passion, energy, and creativity An emerging, and very ascribed to the men and women promising, stream of research on While this line of research who forge new business ventures entrepreneurs pertains to the role holds much hope for by discovering, generating, and of affect – feelings and emotions enhancing our understanding stimulating opportunity. Because – in enhancing the potential of entrepreneurship, it is of the mystique surrounding the success of entrepreneurial limited in that it tends to popular image of entrepreneurs, ventures. For example, research perpetuate the iconic image they have been the focus of much indicates that positive emotions of the entrepreneur as the academic investigation over the may enhance entrepreneurial driven genius working alone. last three decades. Researchers creativity, including opportunity However, the truth is that the have tried to unlock the secrets RECOGNITION "ARON success of most entrepreneurial of successful entrepreneurs, Additionally, entrepreneurs ventures hinges not only on the classify their personality types, who display passion – positive, individual characteristics of the and explore their cognitive intense feelings – about their entrepreneur, but also on the processing, but with disappointing ventures tend to be more entrepreneur’s ability to recruit and often contradictory results. successful than those who do and manage employees and In light of these weak results, not display passion (Baum & CLIENTS "ARON (ANNAN Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE Recent research on emerging to invest (Mulligan & Hastie, emotions (Salovey & Mayer, businesses indicates that the !DDITIONALLY EMOTIONS 4HIS CAPACITY TO RECOGNIZE ability to effectively manage the affect the perceptions of and regulate emotions may human side of the business plays investors and clients regarding serve as a tool that helps a critical role in the success of a the favorability of the venture perceive contextual clues new venture (Barber, Wesson, -ULLIGAN (ASTIE %ACH more easily, managing our 2OBERSON 4AYLOR one of these themes is vital to relationships more effectively Graham, Murray, & Amuso, the success of any business, and motivating ourselves and #HANDLER -C%VOY but for an entrepreneurial others to achieve goals. venture that is attempting to 2ECRUITING HIRING AND Emotional intelligence can be gain competitive advantage in developing employees are categorized into four major areas, the market, these themes are important in any business, but or branches, which describe the fundamentally important. can be especially critical for an skills associated with each area -AYER 3ALOVEY 4HE lRST branch of the model is perceiving While this line of research holds much hope for emotion. This fundamental area enhancing our understanding of entrepreneurship, of emotional intelligence consists it is limited in that it tends to perpetuate the iconic of the nonverbal reception and expression of emotion. image of the entrepreneur as the driven genius The capacity to translate working alone. feelings into appropriate visual representations, such as facial expressions and other nonverbal emerging venture (Baron & The vital role played gestures, and to accurately (ANNAN !DDITIONALLY interpret those expressions the capacity to relate to by our emotions in others, is a fundamental prospective clients is imperative underpinning of emotional to the progress and success of intelligence. For entrepreneurs, n light of the increasing the business. One of the most the ability to understand and evidence surrounding the crucial aspects of employee and accurately express nonverbal vital role that emotions client management has to do emotions as well as interpret play in facilitating the with how skillfully emotions are the emotional expressions of success of emerging handled. others is extremely important Iventures, savvy entrepreneurs for a number of reasons. In the workplace, studies may find it beneficial to begin Primarily, the awareness of reveal how emotions affect enhancing their capacity to nonverbal expressions will help job perception and attitudes, understand and manage both entrepreneurs in relating to such as satisfaction (Thoresen, their own emotions as well clients and employees alike. Kaplan, Barsky, Warren, & as the emotions of others. In DE #HERMONT 7EISS current management parlance, The second branch of emotional WORK COMMITMENT these interpersonal awareness intelligence is using emotions /.EILL LEADERFOLLOWER skills are collectively known as to facilitate thought (Mayer & relationships (Dasborough, emotional intelligence. Defined 3ALOVEY %MOTIONS ARE !SHKANASY 4EE 4SE as the ability to monitor one’s often construed as separate performance outcomes own feelings and emotions as from cognition, but research *OHNSON DECISION well as the feelings and emotions in cognitive processes indicates MAKING )SEN ,ABROO of others, emotional intelligence otherwise. Recent studies in brain and evaluations and judgments assists in the identification, functioning indicate that the area #ROPANZANO 7RIGHT definition, and processing of of the brain associated with logic In the recruitment of new clients for an emerging venture, research indicates that emotions One of the most crucial aspects of employee play a significant role in the and client management has to do with how skillfully decision of a potential client emotions are handled. LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s savvy entrepreneurs may find it beneficial to begin enhancing their capacity to understand and manage both their own emotions as well as the emotions of others. and reason is not separate from emotional information about the area associated with feelings interpersonal interactions, follow and emotion; rather, the two areas the transitions from one emotion interact at a neural level (Cohen, to another, and process verbal %MOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE information regarding emotions. promotes the integration rather For the entrepreneur, the ability than the separation of these two to understand emotions assists important areas of the brain. In in enhancing interpersonal essence, this branch of emotional intelligence explores our ability to calibrate and adjust our thinking so that cognitive tasks make For entrepreneurs, appropriate use of emotional the ability to understand information. What does this and accurately express mean to the entrepreneurs? nonverbal emotions as Researchers have found, for well as interpret the example, that creativity is emotional expressions generated by emotion. Creativity of others is extremely is construed as the ability to important for a number cognitively construct an idea or of reasons. concept inspired by emotions. For entrepreneurs, the capacity to be creative is fundamental to the relations in numerous ways. survival of the venture; hence, For example, the ability to the ability to formulate original accurately comprehend the ideas triggered by emotions is of emotional messages being the utmost importance. conveyed by potential clients can help entrepreneurs to modify their behavior in order to he third branch of more comprehensively address emotional intelligence clients’ needs. is understanding emotions (Mayer & The fourth and final branch of 3ALOVEY 4HE emotional intelligence is managing Tability to comprehend one’s emotions (Mayer & Salovey, own emotional messages and 4HIS BRANCH OF EMOTIONAL those being conveyed by others intelligence is the pinnacle of the the ability to accurately comprises the basic precept of this model and is contingent upon comprehend the emotional branch of emotional intelligence. understanding the other branches messages being conveyed by Once the accurate discernment of emotional intelligence. In potential clients can help of an emotional message has particular, managing emotions occurred, the capacity to make can be described as the capacity to entrepreneurs to modify rational judgments about actively and voluntarily regulate their behavior in order those messages needs to be in emotional expression, particularly to more comprehensively place in order to assure that an in relation to others, which is address clients’ needs. appropriate response follows. In essential to promoting one’s own other words, this branch deals and others’ personal and social with the capacity to discern goals. The ability to manage the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE emotions of self and of others is an important skill for entrepreneurs Emotional intelligence is an exciting area of research to develop. For example, in that should prove beneficial to entrepreneurs and relation to entrepreneurs, the business people of all kinds. regulation of emotions assists in maintaining calm in stressful situations. With respect to the how you feel at different points agree with how another person regulation of others’ emotions, in the day. Start adopting an feels; the goal should merely be to the entrepreneur can help inspire attitude of emotional acceptance. understand how the person feels. employees to work hard through For example, instead of ascribing If you find yourself becoming an understanding of this branch the source of your emotions to defensive or judgmental, ask of emotional intelligence. others (i.e. “You make me mad!”) yourself why and explore your The beauty of emotional begin owning your emotions own emotions more deeply. (i.e. “I feel angry.”). By taking intelligence is that the skills and Start consciously using your ownership of your emotions, you abilities that comprise the model feelings when engaging in begin developing an awareness of are not trait based, but rather decision making. Too often how you feel and how to engage are developable. For those people have been trained to your feelings. interested in further developing make decisions based solely on their emotional intelligence the facts. Begin to challenge skills, the following suggestions this assumption and explore should be helpful. your emotions before making a decision. Ask yourself feeling questions, such as, “How will I feel if I do this?” or, “How will my employees feel if I do Develop your this?” Purposely engage your emotional emotions to give you a clearer picture of the situation prior to intelligence making a decision. First, get to know inally, as you make yourself. Awareness of progress on your who you are and how journey of emotional you are is the launch literacy, start to set pad for a deeper emotional goals for Lunderstanding of your emotions. Fyourself. This taps into the When you feel an emotion, fourth branch of the emotional begin asking yourself why you intelligence model in which we feel that way. Explore the source engage in managing our emotions of your feelings. Examine how and the emotions of others. you manage your emotions. Begin to envision how you want To help you on your journey to feel and how you want others toward self-awareness, you will Recognize and validate the to feel. Start asking yourself how find at the end of this article a emotions of others. As you begin you can create an environment self-assessment on emotional discovering more about your that will stimulate those kinds intelligence. Take it and use it as own emotions, start developing of emotions. Question how you a tool for self-discovery. an awareness of the emotions currently manage your emotions Educate yourself on emotions. that others may be experiencing. and imagine how you would like Learn to recognize the difference Start listening to others without to manage them. As unusual as between thoughts and feelings. judging and acknowledge that it may seem to set feeling goals Find out about the basic human you understand what they are of this sort, it may take a stretch emotions and start asking yourself feeling. It is not necessary to of the imagination to get you to LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s move beyond the ordinary and people of all kinds. By tapping into the extraordinary. into this previously underutilized In relation to and often ignored domain of entrepreneurs, the Emotional intelligence is an the human psyche, we should regulation of emotions exciting area of research that be able to more holistically assists in maintaining calm should prove beneficial to manage ourselves and our in stressful situations. entrepreneurs and business businesses. Emotional Intelligence Self-Assessment* For each statement below, decide which response best indicates your attitude or position – your level OF AGREEMENT WITH THE STATEMENT #IRCLE THE NUMBER FROM STRONGLY DISAGREE TO STRONGLY AGREE which best describes your perception. ) AM KEENLY AWARE OF THE FEELINGS OF OTHER ) CAN SHRUG OFF A FOUL MOOD AND GO ON WITH people. my day. 2. I am gifted at sensing what others around ) FEEL POSITIVE EMOTIONS MORE STRONGLY THAN me are feeling. other people. 3. I pick up the subtle signals of feelings from ) CAN REGULATE MY MOODS SO THAT THEY DONT another person. overwhelm me. 4. I have good insight into how others are ) RARELY HAVE EMOTIONAL BATTLES INSIDE ME feeling. that interfere with my thoughts. ) AM ASTUTE AT READING OTHERS REACTIONS AND -Y FEELINGS ARE RARELY SO INTENSE THAT ) FEEL feelings. overwhelmed. 6. I have an aptitude for reading others’ ) HAVE GOOD PEOPLE SKILLS feelings. 0EOPLE SEEM TO ENJOY INTERACTING WITH ME 7. My emotions are rarely out of control. * Adapted from Carson, K.D., Carson, P.P. & Birkenmeier, B.J. (2000). Measuring emotional intelligence: Development and validation of an instrument. Journal of Behavioral and Applied Management, 2(1), 32 – 44. Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE ) AM GOOD AT INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS 7HENEVER )M IN A FOUL MOOD ) ALWAYS know it. 3OCIALLY ) COULD BE DESCRIBED AS EASYGOING 22. I don’t have difficulty describing my feelings to others. ) HAVE GOOD SOCIAL SKILLS 23. I can put my feelings into words. ) COULD BE DESCRIBED AS A TEAM PLAYER 24. I always know that I’m in a nasty mood before others point it out. ) AM ALWAYS AWARE OF MY MOODS ) HAVE GOOD INSIGHT INTO WHAT MAKES me tick. Total points: This instrument measures four You are aware of who you are intelligent. You sometimes domains of emotional intelligence: and how you are. regulate your emotions, at empathic response, mood times you sense the emotions of regulation, interpersonal skills and 72 - 95: You perceive yourself others, and sometimes you feel self-awareness. To calculate your as moderately emotionally comfortable in social situations. score, add up the numbers that intelligent. You can regulate your You are somewhat self-aware. you circled. The interpretations of emotions in most situations, your score are found below. tend to sense others’ emotions 24 - 47: You do not perceive accurately, and feel comfortable yourself to be very emotionally 96 - 120: You perceive yourself to in social situations most of the intelligent. You tend not to be highly emotionally intelligent. time. You are self-aware most of regulate your emotions, tend not You see yourself as readily able the time. to sense the emotions of others to regulate your emotions, sense and tend not to feel comfortable the emotions of others, and you 48 - 71: You perceive yourself in social situations. You may not feel at home in social situations. to be somewhat emotionally be very self-aware. LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s References: Dasborough, M. T., Ashkanasy, N.M., Tee, E.Y.J. & Tse, H.H.M. Barber, A.E., Wesson, M.J., 7HAT GOES AROUND Roberson, Q.M. & Taylor, M.S. comes around: How meso-level ! TALE OF TWO JOB MARKETS negative emotional contagion Organizational size and its effects can ultimately determine on hiring practices and job search organizational attitudes toward behavior. Personnel Psychology, leaders. Leadership Quarterly, n n "ARON *. (ANNAN -4 Graham, M.E., Murray, B. & Amuso, Organizational blueprints for , 3TOCK RELATED REWARDS success in high-tech startups: social identity, and the attraction Lessons from the Stanford and retention of employees in Project on emerging companies. entrepreneurial SMEs. In J. Katz California Management Review, & T. Welbourne (Eds.), Managing n people in entrepreneurial ORGANIZATIONS 6OL n "ARON 2! 4HE ROLE OF AFFECT Amsterdam: Elsevier Science. in the entrepreneurial process. Academy of Management )SEN !- ,ABROO !! 2EVIEW n Some ways in which positive affect facilitates decision making "AUM *2 ,OCKE %! 4HE and judgment. In S. Schneider relationship of entrepreneurial & J. Shanteau (Eds.) Emerging traits, skill, and motivation to perspectives on judgment and subsequent venture growth. DECISION RESEARCH .EW Journal of Applied Psychology, York: Cambridge University Press. n *OHNSON 3+ ) SECOND #ARVER #3 3CHEIER -& that emotion: Effects of Optimism, pessimism, and emotional contagion and self-regulation. In E.C. Chung affect at work on leader and (Ed.), Optimism and pessimism: follower outcomes. Leadership Implications for theory, 1UARTERLY n RESEARCH AND PRACTICE n Washington, D.C.: American -AYER *$ 3ALOVEY 0 Psychological Association. What is emotional intelligence? In P. Salovey & D.J. Sluyter Chandler, G.N. & McEvoy, G.M. (Eds.) Emotional Development (UMAN RESOURCE and Emotional Intelligence: management, TQM, and Educational Implications. New firm performance in small York: BasicBooks. and medium size enterprises. Entrepreneurship Theory & -ULLIGAN %* (ASTIE 2 0RACTICE n Explanations determine the impact of information on Thoresen, C.J., Kaplan, S.A., #OHEN *$ 4HE VULCANIZATION financial investment judgments. Barsky, A.P., Warren, C.R. & of the human brain: A neural Journal of Behavioral Decision DE #HERMONT + 4HE perspective on the interactions -AKING n affective underpinnings of between cognition and emotion. job perceptions and attitudes: Journal of Economic Perspectives, /.EILL /! 7ORKPLACE A meta-analytic review n expression of emotions and and integration. Psychological escalation of commitment. "ULLETIN n Cropanzano, R. & Wright, T.A. Journal of Applied Social ! YEAR STUDY OF CHANGE 0SYCHOLOGY n 7EISS (- $ECONSTRUCTING in the relationship between job satisfaction: Separating well-being and job performance. 3ALOVEY 0 -AYER *$ evaluations, beliefs, and Consulting Psychology Journal: Emotional intelligence. affective experiences. Human 0RACTICE AND 2ESEARCH Imagination, Cognition, and Resource Management Review, n 0ERSONALITY n n Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE CLA in action 62 LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s What is needed today are leaders who will promote a renewal of agriculture. Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 63 Inauguration of the Center for Leadership in Agriculture (CLA) in Paraguay The center will be fundamental in promoting the emergence of young leaders who are convinced of the importance of the sector. 1RUPD9LOODOEDDQG1HVWRU0ROLQDV -RLQW&RRUGLQDWRUV&/$3DUDJXD\ the center’s creation was made IICA Headquarters, Luis Zarza, possible thanks to the FCA’s Education and Training Specialist good relations with national of the IICA Office in Paraguay, and international institutions and Elisa Ferreira, Director of the and the results of its programs Engineering in Human Ecology and projects. The FCA’s team of course, and specially invited professors, students and officials professors and students. is renowned for its soundness The first activity to be held and expertise. following the center’s creation T The Center for Leadership in was a leadership forum for the he center was Agriculture (CLA) was created faculty of the FCA, in which 34 created following two technical and implemented to strengthen people took part. The forum’s cooperation activities that took leadership in agriculture among organizers used participatory and place in Paraguay in August the professors, students and experience-based methodologies THE &IRST 2EGIONAL producers who participate in to create a friendly, relaxed Forum for Young People in the extension programs, services and setting that facilitated learning Southern Region and the First research. and the promotion of the use of National Forum on Leadership innovative strategies to ensure for the Rural Development 4HE CENTER WAS INAUGURATED ON the interest and involvement of of Paraguay. At both events, .OVEMBER 4HE PARTICIPANTS leaders in agriculture. in the opening ceremony included the participants discussed the Pedro Gonzalez, the Chancellor creation of a Network of Young of the National University of uring the forum’s Leaders for Family Agriculture Asuncion, Lorenzo Meza L., Dean inaugural and highlighted the need for the of the School of Agricultural ceremony, the School of Agricultural Sciences (FCA), Miguel A. Ruiz Diaz, Dean and Deputy (FCA) of the National University Deputy Dean of the FCA, Alex Dean of the FCA of Asuncion, Paraguay, to set up Barril, IICA Representative in Dintroduced the coordinators of a permanent center. Paraguay, Hernan Chiriboga the new Center for Leadership The new Center for Leadership and Juan Caliva, Coordinator in Agriculture, professors Norma is, therefore, part of the School and Education Specialist, E. Villalba and Nestor Molinas of Agricultural Sciences at the respectively, of the Center for V., research professors of the National University. Indeed, Leadership in Agriculture at National University. 64 LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s Inauguration of the Center for Leadership in Agriculture (CLA) in Paraguay. Why is leadership in agriculture and the knowhow required important? Because agriculture to farm it. Agricultural work needs to be renewed to promote is permanent and the results Training new leaders the efficient development of and the opportunities involved for agriculture calls small farmers, so they can go beyond the production of for a comprehensive, produce enough food to make basic raw materials. Developing multidisciplinary vision their families economically self- leadership skills in the professors focused on values. sufficient, and to preserve and and young people of the School protect natural resources. The of Agricultural Sciences is activities of these farmers should an innovative strategy for result not only in the production promoting human development of basic raw materials but also and the social transformation of entire population will have access in the farmers’ integration into our economies. “For that we need to the continuous education production chains, developing leaders who are clear and convinced programs with emphasis on the local and regional markets. If of the importance of the agricultural training of leaders. this is achieved, agriculture will sector in our economies.” The FCA has four branches and become a more dynamic economic a section in the Chaco. It offers sector and agricultural workers his center will make five courses that are increasingly will become financially solvent. a major contribution This, in turn, will motivate them IN DEMAND WITH REGISTERED to the emergence of students who represent an almost to work to make their rural new young leaders inexhaustible supply of potential communities more prosperous. who are keen to take leaders. However, the FCA does Training new leaders for Tthe country’s development in a not only focus on its students agriculture calls for a fresh direction. Who are these and professors. In the short comprehensive, multidisciplinary new, trailblazing leaders? They and medium term, Paraguayan vision focused on values and are the students, the reason society will have new people committed to change and for this school’s existence. The who will make a difference in capacity building. Educators faculty members of this academic this country, but the faculty’s have to realize that more than center are the architects of this projection is global and long just a piece of land is needed, noble mission to train young term. These are the objectives of more than what it can produce professionals. The country’s the FCA’s Center for Leadership. Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE Three ministerial forums The IICA Center for Leadership in Agriculture held forums with the ministers of agriculture of Haiti, Peru, and Mexico. "ETWEEN -AY AND !UGUST role that agriculture is called upon the CLA organized meetings for to play in tackling global challenges the ministers of agriculture of like poverty, food insecurity, (AITI *OANAS 'UÏ -AY climate change, malnutrition, 0ERU #ARLOS ,EYTON -AY transboundary diseases and the and Mexico, Alberto Cardenas multilateral trade negotiations. (27 August). I The Forum for Leaders in ICA’s Center for In addition to providing an Agriculture also focuses on Leadership in Agriculture (CLA) opportunity for dialogue, these change as part of a continuous is responsible for the Forum for forums generate inputs for process of learning and feedback Leaders, a program especially updating the national technical designed to align and support designed for new ministers cooperation agenda on which the the modernization of agricultural of agriculture and other Institute bases its activities in each institutions in response to the agricultural sector decision- country. The discussions highlight new challenges, consider the makers in the Americas. Its aim complex agricultural issues and different scenarios for future is to inspire a new vision of the sector’s many links with agricultural policy, production, agriculture and rural life capable other areas of the economy (such and trade, and share knowledge of meeting the challenges of the as tourism, industry and public with other national and st century. health), as well as the important international institutions. Haiti Minister Joanas Gué called for On his visit to Costa Rica, Gué more investment in his country’s was accompanied by the Deputy agricultural and rural sector Director of Haiti’s International and said the expanded vision of Cooperation Division, Colette agriculture that IICA had been Blanchet, the head of the promoting for a number of years Agricultural Economics was entirely consistent with the and Planning Department, one promoted by his country’s Laurence Charleston Elisée, Ministry of Agriculture. “We need the IICA Representative in that a strategy that will make it possible country, Alfredo Mena, and The Haitian delegation took part in the for us to increase investment in the the Representative’s assistant, Forum for Leaders in Agriculture that the sector,” he said. Emmanuela Charles. Institute organized especially for them. 66 LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s Pictured from left to right, during the Forum for Leaders in Agriculture, are the Representative of the IICA Office in Peru, Freddy Rojas, the Minister of Agriculture of Peru, Carlos Leyton, and the Director General of IICA, Chelston Brathwaite. of mechanisms for enhancing the Peru becoming a member of the Peru competitiveness of smallholdings organization. in his country. During the activity, Leyton visited The then minister, Carlos Leyton, Peru’s Ambassador to Costa Rica, the INCAE Business School, took advantage of the forum to Moises Tambini del Valle, also took where he met with the Regional set priorities that would make it part in the forum. The minister and Manager of Executive Programs, possible for him to expand IICA’s the ambassador took advantage of Silvia Poll, and the Coordinator of cooperation agenda in Peru. The the opportunity to meet with the the INCAE/CATIE Master’s Degree priorities established were related Director General of the Tropical Program in Agribusiness, Bernard to the development of public Agriculture Research and Higher Kilian. The discussions focused on policies for sustainable territorial Education Center (CATIE), Jose the first steps towards the signing rural development, the analysis Joaquin Campos, to gain a better of an agreement under which of the effects of climate change on grasp of that institution’s activities Peruvians would receive training agriculture, and the development and to explore the possibility of in agribusiness. speculation, certain bioenergy The Mexican delegation included Mexico policies, climate change and the Dr. Victor M. Villalobos, Director uring the third forum economic recession; for that of International Relations of ORGANIZED IN THE THEN reason it is essential that we back SAGARPA, who was subsequently Secretary of Agriculture, the institutions that coordinate elected to serve as Director General D our efforts,” he went on. Livestock, Rural Development, OF ))#! FOR THE PERIOD Fisheries and Food of Mexico, Alberto Cardenas, underscored the importance of IICA’s hemispheric work. “President (Felipe) Calderon’s hope and expectation is that Mexico will develop very close ties with Central America, the Caribbean, and South America, and we believe that an institution like yours can help facilitate that unity,” Secretary Cardenas said. “IICA has done its part by helping (its Member States) to address variables such as food price In the foreground the Director General Emeritus of IICA, Chelston Brathwaite, the then Secretary of Agriculture of Mexico, Alberto Cardenas, and the Director General of IICA, Victor M. Villalobos. Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 67 Our Center for Leadership in Agriculture is dedicated to training young leaders. We hold people hemispheric, national, regional, and territorial OUNG forums to facilitate the acquisition of holistic knowledge about the megatrends that are committed to CHANGING THE WORLD )N WE CARRIED OUT AGRICULTURE in the the following twelve forums in nine countries of the Americas. Y April-november, 2009 Americas URUGUAY BOLIVIA 5H[PVUHS@V\[O-VY\T ;LYYP[VYPHS-VY\TMVY@V\UNHUK0UKPNLUV\Z3LHKLYZ [V;YHPU(NYPJ\S[\YHS 1\UL 3LHKLYZ ;OPZMVY\T^HZOLSKPU[OLJVTT\UP[`VM*OVX\LUHPYH=PHJOHPU3H7Ha (WYPS ;OPY[`LPNO[ `V\UN Y\YHS HUK PUKPNLUV\Z SLHKLYZ WHY[PJPWH[LK PUJS\KPUN ;OPY[`ZP_ `V\UN SLHKLYZ [VVR WHY[ PU JVTT\UP[` HUK T\UPJPWHS SLHKLYZ HNYPJ\S[\YHS WYVTV[LYZ HUK LJVUVTPJ [OPZMVY\TKYH^UMYVT[OL9\YHS@V\[O LU[YLWYLUL\YZ0UVYNHUPaPUN[OLL]LU[[OL*LU[LYYLJLP]LKZ\WWVY[MYVT[OL (ZZVJPH[PVU VM HONDURAS -PYZ[;LYYP[VYPHS-VY\T[V:[YLUN[OLU6YNHUPaH[PVUHUK3LHKLYZOPW 1\UL /LSKPU[OLJP[`VM@VYV[OPZMVY\TPU]VS]LK;\S\WHUPUKPNLUV\ZSLHKLYZMYVT[OL JVTT\UP[PLZ VM 6JV[HS *HPKV 1PJHYP[V ,S;HISVU:HU 1\HU@VYV HUK@VYP[V0[ ^HZVYNHUPaLK^P[O[OLJVSSHIVYH[PVUVM[OL@VYV0UKPNLUV\Z7YVK\JLYZ(ZZVJPH[PVU (79605@[OL@VYV=HSSL`(NYPJ\S[\YHS*VVWLYH[P]L*6(=(@[OL(NYPJ\S[\YHS 0UUV]H[PVU5L[^VYR7YVQLJ[9LK:0*;(HUK[OL00*(6MÄJLPU/VUK\YHZ LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s PARAGUAY -PYZ[5H[PVUHS-VY\TMVY@V\UN3LHKLYZ (\N\Z[ COSTA RICA ;OPZMVY\T^OPJO[VVRWSHJLPU[OLJHWP[HSVM[OL+LWHY[TLU[VM*HHN\Ha\ *VYVULS 6]PLKV H[[YHJ[LK `V\UN SLHKLYZ MYVT KPMMLYLU[ HYLHZ VM [OL JV\U[Y`;OL00*(6MÄJLPU7HYHN\H`VYNHUPaLK[OLTLL[PUNPUJVSSHIVYH[PVU :LJVUK/LTPZWOLYPJ ^P[O[OL@V\[OHUK.LUKLY+PYLJ[VYH[LVM[OL.LULYHS7SHUUPUN+PYLJ[VYH[LVM -VY\TVU3LHKLYZOPW [OL4PUPZ[Y`VM(NYPJ\S[\YLHUK3P]LZ[VJRVM7HYHN\H`4(.HUK[OL/\THU PU(NYPJ\S[\YL ,JVSVN` +LWHY[TLU[ VM [OL :JOVVS VM (NYHYPHU :JPLUJLZ VM [OL 5H[PVUHS :LW[LTILY GRENADA -PYZ[5H[PVUHS-VY\TMVY @V\UN3LHKLYZPU(NYPJ\S[\YL :LW[LTILY ;^LU[`VUL`V\UNSLHKLYZ[VVRWHY[PU[OPZ MVY\THSSVM^OVT^VYRMVY[OLPYJV\U[Y`»Z 4PUPZ[Y`VM(NYPJ\S[\YL-PZOLYPLZHUK-VVK ;OL JVSSHIVYH[PVU VM [OL 00*( 6MÄJL PU .YLUHKHTHKL[OLHJ[P]P[`WVZZPISL PANAMA 5H[PVUHS-VY\TMVY9\YHS@V\[O :LW[LTILY ;OPZMVY\T[VVRWSHJLH[[OLOLHKX\HY[LYZVM[OL5H[PVUHS (NYPJ\S[\YL0UZ[P[\[L,50SVJH[LKPU+P]PZHPU[OL WYV]PUJLVM/LYYLYH:VTL `V\UNWLVWSLMYVTKPMMLYLU[ YLNPVUZVM[OLJV\U[Y`WHY[PJPWH[LK,_WLY[ZMYVT[OL (NYPJ\S[\YHS9LZLHYJO0UZ[P[\[LVM7HUHTH0+0(7^LYLVU OHUK[VWYV]PKLZ\WWVY[;OLL]LU[^HZ\ZLK[VWYVTV[L [OLWHY[PJPWH[PVUVM[OL`V\UNSLHKLYZPU[OLMVYT\SH[PVU VM[OL*LU[YHS(TLYPJHU9\YHS+L]LSVWTLU[:[YH[LN`^P[O H;LYYP[VYPHS(WWYVHJO,*(+,9; Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE CHILE -PYZ[5H[PVUHS-VY\TMVY@V\UN3LHKLYZ 6J[VILY ;OPY[`MV\Y`V\UNSLHKLYZMYVT*OPSLHUZTHSSMHYTLYZ»VYNHUPaH[PVUZ[VVR WHY[PU[OPZHJ[P]P[`^OPJO^HZOLSKPU,S*HQVUKLS4HPWVZV\[OVM:HU[PHNV *OPSL :\WWVY[ ^HZ WYV]PKLK I` *OPSL»Z(NYPJ\S[\YHS +L]LSVWTLU[ 0UZ[P[\[L 05+(7[OL5H[PVUHS@V\[O0UZ[P[\[L051<=HUK[OLSVJHS00*(6MÄJL -PYZ[4LL[PUNVM@V\UN3LHKLYZPU3VZ9PVZ9LNPVU 6J[VILY ;OPZ MVY\T ^OPJO ^HZ OLSK [OHURZ [V [OL JVSSHIVYH[PVU VM [OL 05+(7[OL :V\[OLYU PERU -PYZ[5H[PVUHS-VY\TMVY@V\UN3LHKLYZ 5V]LTILY ;OPZ L]LU[ ^HZ JHYYPLK V\[ PU 3PTH ^P[O [OL WHY[PJPWH[PVU VM ULHYS``V\UNSLHKLYZMYVT[OLWYV]PUJLVM/\HYHHUKMV\Y[LLU V[OLY YLNPVUZ VM [OL JV\U[Y` :\WWVY[ ^HZ WYV]PKLK I` [OL 5H[PVUHS@V\[O:LJYL[HYPH[:51]HYPV\ZYLNPVUHSNV]LYUTLU[Z JP]PSZVJPL[`VYNHUPaH[PVUZHUK[OLSVJHS00*(6MÄJL;OPZTLL[PUN THYRLK[OLÄYZ[Z[LW[V^HYKZ[OLLZ[HISPZOTLU[VM[OL5H[PVUHS @V\UN3LHKLYZ5L[^VYRPU[OH[(UKLHUUH[PVU LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE 6OLUME s How do the forums go ¿ about promoting leadership Discussions on leadership Facilitation of communication Dialogues on strategic global issues tools and empathic listening Round tables on megatrends Project preparation Debates on agricultural issues in Negotiation dynamics the countries Knowledge management Sharing of experiences Analysis of methodologies Value-based agricultural Teamwork undertakings Field trips Training of networks and Coaching exchange of information Participants in the Second Forum for Young Leaders in Agriculture. IICA Headquarters, in Costa Rica. Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE INTER-AMERICAN INSTITUTE FOR COOPERATION ON AGRICULTURE Headquarters P.O. Box 55-2200 San Jose, Vazquez de Coronado, San Isidro 11101 - Costa Rica Phone: (506) 2216-0346, 2216-0246 Fax: (506) 2216-0247 Web Site: www.iica.int www.iica.int/Eng/dg/centroliderazgo