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14 October 2004

USAID to Fund Training of International Agricultural Scientists

Wants U.S.-funded farm research to respond to poor countries' needs

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) wants to train a new generation of international agricultural scientists and ensure that U.S.-funded agricultural research responds to the needs of developing countries, the agency says.

USAID officials discussed the agency's new agricultural strategy during a meeting with the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development (BIFAD) in Iowa, according to an October 13 press release. BIFAD is one of the agency's advisory groups.

The meeting was held in conjunction with a World Food Prize ceremony in Iowa and preceded World Food Day, to be observed October 16 internationally.

In September USAID awarded two grants totaling $24 million to Virginia Polytechnic Institute for research in integrated pest management and sustainable agricultural/natural resources management. USAID overseas missions can put up to $5 million of additional funding into each grant, the agency said.

One focus of the five-year grants is to train and mentor foreign agricultural educators and researchers in the United States and continue collaborations with the students after their return to their home countries, according to a second October 13 press release.

Following is the text of USAID's agricultural strategy release:

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[U.S. Agency for International Development
Washington, D.C.
October 13, 2004]

USAID Unveils New Agriculture Strategy

DES MOINES, IOWA -- Training a new generation of international agricultural scientists and ensuring that U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funded agricultural research responds to the most pressing food and agriculture issues facing the developing world topped the agenda of the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development (BIFAD), which met today at Iowa State University in Des Moines, Iowa.

Speakers addressing the advisory board included Iowan farmers who had lent their agricultural and business expertise abroad, including in Iraq, as well as Dr. Richard Mkandawire, representing the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).

"USAID and the Board are eager to tap into the ideas of our colleagues abroad as well as our own agricultural sector as we set new priorities for our agricultural development research agenda," said Emmy Simmons, Assistant Administrator for Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade.

BIFAD advises USAID on international food and agricultural issues. It helps set the research and education agenda of the Collaborative Research Support Programs (CRSPs), nine agricultural research programs based in U.S. universities that train, mentor, and collaborate with scientists in developing countries. At the meeting, Assistant Administrator Simmons announced the completion of a new USAID agriculture strategy, which directs Agency agricultural officers to help strengthen commercial agriculture while promoting sustainable practices.

In September, the Agency renewed two CRSPs, signing competitively awarded grants with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Under these grants, Virginia Tech will manage research programs on integrated pest management and sustainable agricultural and natural resource management practices. The two five-year grants are valued at $12 million each.

BIFAD's fall meeting was held in conjunction with the 2004 World Food Prize ceremony to recognize outstanding contributions to the quality, quantity, and availability of food in the world. Appointed by the President, four of BIFAD's seven members must be from the U.S. university community. The Board receives technical, administrative and financial support from USAID.

Chaired by M. Peter McPherson, President, Michigan State University, the board also includes William DeLauder, President Emeritus, Delaware State University; Carol Lewis, Dean, School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences, University of Alaska, Fairbanks; Anthony Laos, President & CEO, Stauffer Seeds, Omaha, Nebraska; Stewart Iverson, Jr., Dows, Iowa, Iowa State Senate Majority Leader; Sharon Quisenberry, Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg; Mike Deegan, President & CEO, ACDI/VOCA, Washington, D.C.

BIFAD typically meets three times a year. All meetings are announced and open to the public.

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