Alexander De Croo signs framework arrangement with CGIAR
Alexander De Croo signs framework arrangement with Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Development Cooperation Alexander De Croo has met today with Elwyn Grainger-Jones, Executive Director of the CGIAR System Organization since October 2016. This organisation is an important multilateral partner of the Belgian Development Cooperation. During the meeting, a framework arrangement was signed for the cooperation in the coming years. In 2016, the Belgian Development Cooperation has contributed 4 million euros to CGIAR.
For many years, CGIAR has been providing quality research on tropical crops, forestry, livestock and fisheries. The organisation contributes to greater food security in the South, without harming the environment.
CGIAR is a network of 15 international research institutes spread across the world. Each institute has its own specific mandate, such as the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) and the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) - four CGIAR Research Centers whose Research Programs are funded by the Belgian Development Cooperation. The research institute Bioversity International focuses on the preservation of the diversity of agricultural crops, including the International Musa Germplasm Transit Centre. This centre, at the University of Leuven, has the world's largest banana collection with more than 1,500 varieties. On January 23, 2017 the Belgian Development Cooperation celebrates – together with the University of Leuven and Bioversity International – 30 years of banana research in Belgium.
Alexander De Croo: “We are highly satisfied with the strong relations between Belgium and CGIAR. CGIAR activities are fully in line with the new Strategy of the Belgian Development Cooperation on Agriculture and Food Security, which we are currently finalising and which will be launched in early 2017. Belgium wants to invest, among other things, in research and innovation and wants to encourage collaborations between the CGIAR Research Centers and other partners of the Belgian Development Cooperation.”
