Wednesday, September 29, 2004


U.S. to rejoin the ICO

The U.S. government has announced its intent to rejoin the International Coffee Organization (ICO). After an 11-year absence by the world's largest coffee consuming nation, this decision puts the United States back on the international stage as a positive force in fostering economic stability for the producing world and a sustainable future for the worldwide coffee economy.

The government's announcement was made at a Washington, DC press conference led by Assistant Secretary of State E. Anthony Wayne, who was joined at the podium by ICO Executive Director Nestor Osorio, SCAA Executive Director Ted Lingle, NCA President Robert Nelson, and other officials and dignitaries. The event was also attended by ambassadors to the United States from producing countries, including Colombia, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua.

"We look forward to working with members of the Government in developing and expanding programs within the ICO that will further SCAA's existing efforts to bring meaningful change to the coffee industry, which includes working with USAID in executing programs that will increase the competitiveness of the coffee sector in Central America and East Africa, working with USDA in creating programs that will catalog and maintain coffee's germplasm, and working with USGS in developing a geo-reference system that will improve sourcing and traceability in coffee commerce," said Ted Lingle. "On behalf of the officers and directors, and particularly the 3,000 members of the Specialty Coffee Association of America, I would like to express our deep appreciation to the members of the State Department, the members of the Administration, and the members of Congress who have worked to make this day possible."

The ICO, headquartered in London, is the main intergovernmental organization for coffee, bringing together producing and consuming nations to address the issues facing the world coffee industry through international cooperation. SCAA has been participating in the ICO meetings since 1992, and was instrumental in the formation of the Priate Sector Consultative Board that connects this intergovernmental body with the private sector.

posted by Ted Lingle | 3:46 PM | top | link to this | email this: | links to this post | | 0 comments

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