G20 International Conference on Agriculture Research for Development – Round-up

Posted on October 16, 2011 by Consortium Office

G20 France 2011 At the recent G20 International Conference on Agriculture Research for Development held in Montpellier, France, G20 agricultural research experts and international organizations (including the CGIAR Consortium) came together to discuss ways of improving cooperation and coordination in their bid to improve global food security.

The CGIAR Consortium Board Chair, Carlos Pérez del Castillo, addressed the high-level agricultural meeting. “Food security for our world is in a state of urgency”, he stated and outlined the need for increased funding, and stronger co-operation and co-ordination in agricultural research for development. Read the full text of his speech here.

He also talked about the CGIAR “research muscle” in an AlertNet article: “G20 focus on small farmers could improve world food security – experts”.

“We are not going to have global-scale research for development without appropriate scientific partnerships” said Anne-Marie Izac, Chief Science Officer of the CGIAR Consortium, during a SciDevNet interview: “G20 nations turn to agricultural research for food security”.

Another AlertNet post entitled: “Climate Conversations – To feed the world, keep farmers at the center of G20 agenda” outlines the challenges faced by farmers and suggests a course of action.

Participants agreed that researchers NEED to work in partnership with the stakeholders if their work is to have the necessary impact. Find out what the CGIAR is doing in response to this need in this Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation post.

Following the conference, the Agreement establishing the CGIAR Consortium as an international organization was signed by the French Minister for Cooperation, Mr. Henri de Raincourt, and by H.E. Sem Laszlo Trocsanyi, Ambassador of Hungary. Read the full report in English or French.

“9 Billion to Feed: Small Farmer Partnerships Beat Hunger, Poverty”

Posted on October 3, 2011 by Consortium Office

At the recent G20 International Conference on Agriculture Research for Development held in Montpellier, France, G20 agricultural research experts and international organizations (including the CGIAR Consortium) came together to discuss ways of improving cooperation and coordination in their bid to improve global food security. Participants agreed that researchers NEED to work in partnership with development organizations, national governments and institutions, private sector, civil society and, most importantly, poor farmers, if their work is to have the necessary impact.

Find out what the CGIAR is doing in response to this need in this Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation post.

“We are not going to have global-scale research for development without appropriate scientific partnerships”

Posted on September 20, 2011 by Consortium Office

… were the words of Anne-Marie Izac, Chief Science officer of the CGIAR Consortium during her interview with Yojana Sharma,“G20 nations turn to agricultural research for food security” for SciDevNet.

With reference to the recent G20 meeting, the article talks about how for the first time international agricultural research is on the agenda when tackling the problem of food security.

“The group’s first meeting on the topic has endorsed the key role of agricultural research not only in preventing global food crises, but also in making an effective contribution to economic growth.”

Also in the news Carlos Pérez del Castillo, Chair of the CGIAR Consortium Board talked to Megan Rowling about the CGIAR “research muscle” for the AlertNet article: “G20 focus on small farmers could improve world food security – experts”

In summary of the G20 gathering AlertNet said:

“A preliminary summary issued at the close of the meeting… said G20 agricultural research systems – including both public and private institutions – could “contribute decisively to the improvement of food security for the rural poor, especially women and children, in developing countries via improved coherence and coordination, stronger and equal partnerships and better knowledge sharing”.”

CGIAR addresses the G20:
“Food security in a state of urgency”

Posted on September 18, 2011 by Consortium Office

Carlos Pérez del Castillo, CGIAR Consortium Board Chair, addresses the G20

On the occasion of the G20 Conference on Agriculture Research Development (September 12-13, 2011, Montpellier), CGIAR Consortium Board Chair, Carlos Pérez del Castillo addressed the high-level agricultural meeting.

“Food security for our world is in a state of urgency”, he stated and outlined the need for increased funding, and stronger co-operation and co-ordination in agricultural research for development.

Pérez del Castillo assured the G20 nations that the CGIAR can now be their strongest ally in the task of making “a more food secure future for our world”.
Full text of Mr. Pérez del Castillo’s speech:

View more documents from CGIAR

Le Consortium du CGIAR est né:
Premières signatures de l’accord

Posted on September 18, 2011 by Consortium Office

Signature de l'accord par M. Henri de Raincourt, French Minister of Cooperation

Signature de l'accord par M. Henri de Raincourt, Ministre chargé de la Coopération (France)

Les 12 & 13 septembre 2011, dans le cadre de la présidence française du G20, la conférence a réuni des experts en recherche agricole pour la toute première conférence internationale du G20 sur la recherche agricole pour le développement.

Après l’allocution de la clôture de la conférence, l’accord instituant le Consortium en Organisation Internationale a été signé le 13 septembre par M. Henri de Raincourt, Ministre chargé de la Coopération, et par Son Excellence Sem Laszlo Trocsanyi, Ambassadeur de Hongrie. L’accord est maintenant ouvert à la signature à Paris avant sa ratification.

A l’heure où chaque jour, un milliard de personnes vont au lit affamés et que les prix des denrées alimentaires sont à un pic historique, il est essentiel que les experts agricoles du G20 et d’organisations globales comme le CGIAR travaillent en partenariat pour un meilleur impact sur les paysans des pays en voie de développement.

His Excellence SEM Laszlo TROCSANYI, Ambassador of Hungary, Mr. Henri de Raincourt, French Minister of Cooperation & Dr. Carlos Pérez del Castillo, CGIAR Consortium Board Chair

(G à D) S.E. Sem Laszlo Trocsanyi, M. Henri de Raincourt et M. Carlos Pérez del Castillo

La recherche agricole pour le développement apporte des solutions concrètes dans la lutte contre la faim et la pauvreté dans le monde mais nous devons mieux faire. Il est important de créer des partenariats multiples avec les acteurs du développement, institutions et société civile, et surtout avec les paysans, les premiers sur le front de la sécurité alimentaire mondiale.

Le Partenariat mondial pour la science rizicole (GRiSP), initié par le CGIAR, le Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD), l’Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD) et le Japon est un exemple de partenariat global qui aura un impact important pour les paysans et les consommateurs. Il vise à augmenter de façon durable les rendements et d’améliorer toute la filière rizicole pour réduire les pertes et les effets environnementaux négatifs.

“Le CGIAR lance une série de programmes de recherche internationale de haut niveau avec des objectifs précis de réduction de la faim et de la pauvreté, d’amélioration de la santé et nutrition et de meilleure préservation des écosystèmes. Ceci dans un effort global d’assurer la sécurité alimentaire mondiale dans les 25 prochaines années,” dit M. Carlos Pérez del Castillo, Président du Consortium de Centres de Recherche Agricole Internationale.

Le Consortium du CGIAR a été formé récemment suite à une réforme du CGIAR dans le but de mieux coordonner les efforts de recherche et assurer un meilleur impact dans la lutte contre la faim et la pauvreté.

Le siège du Consortium des 15 centres internationaux de recherche agricole du CGIAR est hébergé depuis ce printemps au cœur du campus agronomique Agropolis International de Montpellier, proche d’autres acteurs importants de la recherche pour le développement comme le CIRAD et l’IRD.

(Photo: Agropolis International)

The CGIAR Consortium is born:
First signatures on the agreement

Posted on September 18, 2011 by Consortium Office

Signature of the Agreement by Mr. Henri de Raincourt, French Minister of Cooperation

On 12-13 September 2011, the French Presidency of the G20 gathered agricultural research experts for the first ever G20 International Conference on Agriculture Research for Development.

Following the conference, the Agreement establishing the Consortium as an international organisation was signed on 13th September by the French Minister of Cooperation, Mr. Henri de Raincourt, and by H.E. Sem Laszlo Trocsanyi, Ambassador of Hungary.

The Agreement is now open for signature in Paris before its ratification. This new status reflects the fact that ensuring global food security has to be done through a global partnership.

With one billion people going to bed hungry everyday and food prices reaching a historical peak, it is essential that agricultural experts from the G20 countries and global organizations such as CGIAR work in partnership for a better impact on farmers in developing countries.

(L to R) H.E. Sem Laszlo Trocsanyi, Mr. Henri de Raincourt and Mr. Carlos Pérez del Castillo

Agricultural research for development brings concrete solutions to the fight against hunger and poverty across the world but we need to do more. We must work in partnership with development organizations, institutions, the civil society and the farmers, who are at the forefront of global food security.

The Global Rice Science Partnership initiated by CGIAR, Center for International Research on Agriculture for Development (CIRAD), Institute of Research for Development (IRD) and Japan is an example of global partnership which will have an important impact on farmers and consumers. It aims to sustainably increase yields and improve efficiency along the rice value chain to reduce losses and negative impacts on the environment.

“The CGIAR is launching a series of high-quality international research programs with clear objectives of poverty and hunger reduction, improvements in health and nutrition, and enhanced resilience of the world’s ecosystems. This is a global campaign to secure the world’s food supply within 25 years“, says Mr. Carlos Pérez del Castillo, Chair of the Board of the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers.

The Consortium was formed recently as part of a CGIAR reform in order to better coordinate the research efforts and ensure a better impact on hunger and poverty reduction.

Since March 2011, the headquarters of the consortium of the 15 CGIAR research centers have been located at Agropolis International campus in Montpellier, next to other important research for development organizations such as CIRAD and IRD.

(Photo credit: Agropolis International)

To feed the world, keep farmers at the center of G20 agenda

Posted on September 15, 2011 by Consortium Office

On the week of the G20 Conference on Agricultural Research for Development in Montpellier, AlertNet published a post written by Monty Jones entitled: “Climate Conversations – To feed the world, keep farmers at the center of G20 agenda”

Monty Jones outlines the challenges faced, and calls for action.

“…many farmers do not know there may be a better way to improve their livelihood by changing the way they farm. These farmers cannot access the technologies and inputs required. Now is our chance to change that.”

He suggests the following “to help meet farmers’ needs and ensure food security worldwide”

“…Smallholder farmers must be kept at the center of the G20 agenda…government donors and all involved in agricultural research must do the following:

Ramp up our collective investment in agriculture at all levels
Harness the potential of emerging economies
Continue on the path developed at the Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development (GCARD)... the GCARD road map, which defines the steps urgently needed to transform agriculture, has already been welcomed by the G20 agriculture ministers.“

“Smallholder farmers are the key to our world’s future food security and rural development. We encourage the G20 to support an agricultural and rural transformation that keeps crises at bay and improves the lives of hundreds of millions of farmers.” (…)

Read full item on AlertNet: “Climate Conversations – To feed the world, keep farmers at the center of G20 agenda”

G20 Experts to Meet on Food Security Solutions

Posted on September 12, 2011 by Consortium Office

Agricultural experts from the G20 countries will meet this week to find ways to match the latest research and technology to the growing demand for more food. It’s estimated the world’s population will grow to nine billion by 2050.

The meeting in Montpellier, France, stems from last November’s G20 summit in Seoul, South Korea. During that conference, France, Japan, Canada and Brazil were asked to focus more on food security.

For guidance, they called on U.N. agencies, the World Bank, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, known as CGIAR, and the Global Forum on Agricultural Research, or GFAR.

“It’s increasing the cooperation and coordination amongst the G20 and their agricultural research systems and how those are mobilized better into working directly in support of developing country needs,” said Mark Holderness, executive secretary of GFAR.

That coordination and cooperation includes looking at long-term solutions and not just immediate crises, like the drought in the Horn of Africa.

“In two days we’re not going to change the world,” he said, “But I think what we can do is start to look at some innovative ways to work together to really recognize the new architecture that’s out there and the relationships between countries, the capabilities of countries. Start to tap Brazil, China, India. They all have huge capabilities in their own right and they’re just beginning to reach out and mobilize those for other countries.” (…)

Read the full article on YPARD

G20 eyes increased support for farm research

Posted on September 12, 2011 by Consortium Office

Senior officials from the Group of 20 nations will meetwith scientists in Montpellier, France, next week to discuss how they can boost the contribution agricultural research makes to global food security and development in poorer states.

The Sept. 12-13 conference comes at a time when international food prices are close to record highs, and a severe drought in the Horn of Africa has left close to 13 million hungry people in need of urgent aid.

“This is the first time the G20 has woken up to the importance of agricultural research for development,” said Mark Holderness, executive secretary of the Rome-based Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR). There is a need both for increased investment from G20 nations and stronger partnerships to share their expertise with less-developed countries, he added.

The food price crisis of 2008 – and the social unrest it provoked around the world – were a wake-up call, highlighting long years of donor indifference towards agriculture. But when global markets headed even higher earlier this year, rich governments finally realised food security was a problem that wasn’t going to go away, he said.

“We are coming out of two decades of complacency,” said Holderness, who will produce a summary of the G20 vision that emerges from the Montpellier meeting. “We know we have the ability to provide and develop the answers, but we are not doing it in a joined-up way. The G20 has a political and an investment imperative (to act).” (…)

Read the full post on Alertnet

G20 faces obstacles in its efforts to spread good farming practices

Posted on September 12, 2011 by Consortium Office

Spreading good ideas and practices in farming sounds like a simple enough goal, but can be immensely complicated not just on a global level but also locally.

Ahead of the G20 meeting in Montpellier, France, on agricultural research and development, which begins on Monday, Mark Holderness gives a telling example from his time working in Bangladesh. He urged female farmers to plant cleaner rice seeds, those that did not look dirty and discoloured. Sure enough, using healthier rice seeds led to a big increase in yield.

“The women were very excited, but for cultural reasons they could not share their discovery by going from village to village, but they did make a video to spread the word,” said Holderness in a phone interview from Rome. “That video went all [a]round Bangladesh and eventually reached west Africa.”

Holderness is executive secretary of the Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR), which was established to shift the focus of agricultural research and development to meet the needs of the world’s poor, the group most affected by the two big food crises in the past four years. Those crises were fuelled by several global trends: growing population, expanding incomes in emerging countries such as China and India, conversion of food crops to biofuels, and climate change.

The Montpellier meeting underlines the importance that G20 countries are putting on agriculture, especially in the developing world. G20 agriculture ministers held their first summit in Paris in June, where they agreed an action plan to deal with volatility in food prices. The focus of this week’s meeting will be a bigger version of what Holderness experienced in Bangladesh. (..)

Read the full post on the Poverty Matters blog