DWFI reconnects with international partners and projects

DWFI has largely resumed its travel to reconnect and engage with both international and U.S. partners in person. Along with visiting numerous DWFI-led research and policy projects, including those in Rwanda and Brazil, DWFI staff participated in conferences and events throughout the U.S. and the globe.

Nebraska delegation visits Middle East on agricultural trade mission

In February 2022, DWFI Executive Director Peter McCornick visited the United Arab Emirates and Jordan as part of a trade mission organized by the Nebraska Secretary of State. McCornick was joined by 25 other delegates from the University of Nebraska, Nebraska commodity groups, state government and private industry.

The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Governor, promotes international commerce and the exchange of education and culture. Nebraska is one of just two states the U.S. Embassy in Dubai invited to a special showcase, which included a Taste of Nebraska event.

Members of the UNL delegation shared their expertise in the areas of beef production; water management and precision irrigation; and food processing. They also met with leaders and university representatives from throughout the U.A.E. and Jordan.

Listen to IANR Vice Chancellor Mike Boehm discuss the trade mission to the Middle East on KRVN Radio

World Water Forum and meeting of the World Water Council

DWFI Executive Director Peter McCornick traveled to Dakar, Senegal in March 2022 to participate in the 77th Board of Governors Meeting of the World Water Council (WWC) and attend the coinciding 9th World Water Forum (WWF), the world's largest water event. The event drew leaders from the water community, decision makers and other stakeholders from across Africa and the world. McCornick presented in the Forum's "Water for agricultural climate resilience" session, coordinated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). He shared insights from the innovative work being done by DWFI and partners in Rwanda on supporting business ecosystems for sustaining farmer-led irrigation.

Along with the Nature Conservancy and other partners, DWFI also collaborated on the Nature Hub, a pavilion that emphasized nature's role in advancing sustainable and cost-effective, long-term water security for people and the planet. As part of the program within the Nature Hub, McCornick provided an overview of developments and innovations in sustainably managing water for nature and agriculture in Nebraska.

Global Food Forum in Chicago

Several DWFI staff members attended the Wall Street Journal's Global Food Forum in June 2022. The annual event is held in Chicago and draws an influential audience of senior executives, producers and experts from across the food industry and agricultural economy, including stakeholders from the worlds of finance, law, government, academia and advocacy.

McCornick, DWFI Director of Development Barbara Soderlin and DWFI Communications Specialist Arianna Elnes gained knowledge through sessions, made connections with attendees and explored future collaborations.