Farmers are often absent from discussions about how policies and programs impact sustainable agricultural production

At the IAF, we are investing in a regional effort, in conjunction with the university of british columbia, that will give voice to farmers and directly support them in collecting, analyzing, and presenting data that they can incorporate into their operations to manage their farms more efficiently. Centro campesino para EL desarrollo sustentable, A.C. (campesino) established mexico's first recognized participatory certification system and the first network connecting producers directly to consumers to improve farmers' quality of life and consumers' food security. IT provides training and technical assistance programs that emphasize revitalizing traditional knowledge and farm practices that protect the environment and promote sustainable agricultural technologies. The results of this regional project will inform agricultural support organizations, government extension experts, farmer groups, and policy-makers with context-specific data about how to encourage the transition to sustainable agricultural practices to improve food security, enhance farmer livelihoods, and minimize environmental degradation. This is part of the IAF's strategic initiative for sustainable agriculture.