IICA and the Biotechnology Industry Organization entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cooperate for the continued adoption of agricultural biotechnology in the Americas as part of IICA’s Hemispheric Biosafety and Biotechnology Program (HBBP).   As part of the Memorandum of Understanding, both organizations will promote agricultural biotechnology initiatives that benefit the Americas around the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Codex Alimentarius, the International Plant Protection Convention, and World Trade Organization agreements.

Areas of collaboration includes: 
- Provided technical and logistical support to IICA for Western Hemisphere delegates during two Codex meetings in Japan and   
  WDC; in order to improve member state participation in international standard setting body.
- Assist IICA Member States better understand the issues surrounding liability and redress in the context of the Biosafety Protocol.  
  BIO provided funding and support to help IICA commission an analytical and informational document for use by agriculture 
  officials in IICA Member States.
- Promotion of Biotechnology and Biosafety.
- Strengthening of Rural Communities.