The nature of agricultural research requires a collaborative approach to addressing complex challenges such as trans-boundary disease and pests. From the impact of Ug99 on wheat to large-scale outbreaks of maize diseases, global large-scale projects are crucial to the objective of poverty alleviation and reducing hunger.

Partnerships

Through the generous support of the Government of Mexico, CIMMYT has initiated the Seeds of Discovery Project. The initiative endeavors to genotype CIMMYT's collection of seeds to identify key sources of genetic diversity for resistance to diseases, pests, and traits which are best suited to varied environments.

Australia and CIMMYT

Australia and CIMMYT are working together to improve wheat varieties for farmers in Australia and further afield. The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) supports a number of CIMMYT projects including the Sustainable Intensification of Maize-Legume Cropping Systems for Food Security in Eastern and South Africa (SIMLESA).

CIMMYT to address South Asia and food security at world sustainable agriculture congress

SINGAPORE, (11 JULY 2012) — Dr. Etienne Duveiller of CIMMYT (The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center) will be speaks at the World Sustainable Agriculture Congress on the importance of addressing food security in South Asia.

Supplying the world's daily bread: Wheat Facts and Futures

Increasing at only 0.9% each year, wheat production is lagging behind the demands of a global population that grows 1.5% or more annually. Recent price spikes, local grain shortages, and associated civil unrest show the dangers of complacency regarding supplies of key food crops like wheat. A major new publication from CIMMYT describes present and future constraints to wheat yield, and how resilient, high-yield varieties and resource-conserving cropping practices can be developed to help farmers supply tomorrow's daily bread.

Genes explain the amazing global spread of maize

No need to dig for ancient seeds to discover how and when maize moved from its ancestral home in Mesoamerica to become one of the world’s most widely-sown and popular food crops. New work by gene sleuths from CIMMYT and numerous maize growing countries solves the puzzle using DNA of present-day maize.