IAAS wants you to get involved for youth in agriculture

IAAS wants you to get involved for youth in agriculture

IAAS (International Association of Students in Agricultural and Related Sciences) is the biggest student organization in the field of agriculture and related sciences worldwide. IAAS was founded in 1957 and started with only 8 member countries. Today IAAS is made up of:

  • 108 Local Committees
  • In 50 countries
  • Presenting 88 universities 
  • More than 10 000 members worldwide

The aims and objectives of IAAS have been defined by the founding of the General Assembly back in 1957, and make up IAAS's mission: 

  • Encouraging the interchange of ideas in all fields of education and practices in Agricultural and Related Sciences
  • Promoting the co-operation and understanding between students of Agricultural and Related Sciences from all over the world.
  • Preparing students to fulfil the challenges of their future work with a practical and global view.
  • Encouraging the formation and development of local organisations of Students in Agricultural and Related Sciences.
  • Organising international meetings, seminars and training periods abroad for students in Agricultural and Related Sciences.
  • Promoting sustainable Agriculture, economics and food production in the whole world.
  • Promoting a higher education system of high quality, accessible for everyone.

Current activities working to the different focus areas enermerated above include the No Food Waste Project, Village Concept Projects, the Development Fund. IAAS also has an observer arrangement with FAO that allows members of IAAS to attend global, regional and national FAO events related to agro, environment and food topics. The most recent event held by IAAS and supported by GFAR and other partners was the International Conference for Youth in Agriculture (ICYA). 

As IAAS relies on the involvement of its members, they have established a guide to allow potential members to get to know IAAS and make the first steps towards forming a new committee. It is hoped that this information is just a starting point for the many opportunities IAAS has to offer.

To view and download the guide, click here. 

To learn more about IAAS, visit their website. 

This post is part of a GFAR Partner Spotlight on IAAS for the week of 8-12 May 2017. GFAR Secretariat is turning the spotlight on the work and collective actions of Partners in GFAR who share in our mission to strengthen and transform agri-food research and innovation systems globally. Not a GFAR partner yet? Join now!