CIMMYT is devoted to research which will provide sustainable increases in agricultural productivity and improve the quality of life of millions of farmers and consumers in developing countries.

• GM crops have a role. Genetically modified (GM) crops can play a major role in increasing the productivity of global agriculture, helping farmers to meet the food, feed, and other demands of a rapidly rising world population, while saving water and forest lands. The use of GM crops for nearly two decades has consistently increased harvests, saved farmers money, and reduced the use of pesticides. First generation GM crops featured input-conserving traits, like insect resistance and herbicide tolerance. New GM crop varieties in the pipeline will offer traits such as drought and heat tolerance and improved nutritional quality, healthier food, and nutrient use efficiency.

• GM crops are not a "magic bullet." The agricultural productivity increases needed by humanity will not come solely from genetic modification technologies. Traditional research programs—far and away the most significant source of gains in food crop yields worldwide—as well as improved farming techniques, training, improved local markets, better storage facilities, effective supply chains, and favorable agricultural policies are crucial. But for the world to increase agricultural production by almost 2% a year for the next 40 years, all resources and approaches must be marshaled, including GM technologies.

• Other global priorities. Enhanced agricultural productivity must be pursued in the context of other pressing global issues, including fossil fuel dependence, soil and atmospheric degradation, climate change, and disease and pest epidemics. CIMMYT actively develops products which assist in these other areas.

• Sovereignty and safety first. CIMMYT does not pursue nor advocate increased farm productivity at the expense of human or animal health or environmental safety, nor does the center support the work of institutions that fail to show proper regard for those concerns and partner country Biosafety regulations and procedures. CIMMYT supports and implements strict procedures for handling GM crops. The center recognizes and respects the sovereignty of individual nations to determine if, when, and how GM crops will be used in their territory, and provides technical support as requested in this process.

• The private and public sectors' complementary roles. CIMMYT recognizes private companies' leadership in developing and promoting GM crops and related technologies. In line with its continued role to develop, use, and share global public goods, CIMMYT sees its role as that of a "bridge," ensuring that small-scale farmers not normally served by large companies also have access to advanced technologies, if they wish to use them. The very fact that near-exclusive control of GM technologies sits with the private sector also suggests that publicly funded institutions must seek a larger role in GM research. To this end, CIMMYT strategically uses intellectual property protection systems, including ascertaining and gaining freedom to operate to ensure and further its capacity to serve farmers and R&D organizations in the developing world.

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