In February, Professor Ian Chubb and a panel of international experts released an independent report on a framework for international agricultural research within Australia’s aid program.

You can read the media release from the Hon Kevin Rudd MP below.

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“The Australia Government is working to deliver more for every dollar it invests in international agricultural research.

Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said with approximately 1 billion malnourished people in the world, and the global population estimated to grow by a further 2 billion by 2050, it is critical Australia maximises its investment in agricultural science, technology and training.

“I welcome the release of the independent report A Strategic Framework for International Agricultural Research within Australia’s Aid Program by Australia’s Chief Scientist, Professor Ian Chubb and a panel of international experts, which will help guide the future of Australia’s contribution to global food security.”

The Framework follows the Government’s Independent Review of Aid Effectiveness and suggests ways to increase the effectiveness of Australia’s overseas development assistance via agricultural research.

“Research in agriculture is an important, even core, element in the alleviation of poverty. It can lead to increases in incomes for both rural and growing urban populations, better health through better nutrition and improved local economies and services,” Mr Rudd said.

For example, Australian support in East Timor has helped 12,000 farmers increase yields of rice, maize, sweet potato, cassava and peanut crops by up to 80 per cent.

The Framework confirms that Australia is a leader in international agricultural research, but while the current program was achieving impressive results, it found greater effort should be made to bring together the public and private sectors in the financing, management and conduct of agricultural research.

It also found a more coordinated and collaborative approach of Australian institutions involved in international agricultural research would improve effectiveness.

The Government will use the Framework to guide future aid budget allocations for agricultural research. 

Download the Framework and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research