Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 23rd December 2013
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Funding doubles for agriculture research
Food security to benefit from investments of $1 billion

Global food security may see a boost thanks to significant increases in funding for one of the world's largest agricultural research partnerships.

According to the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), funding has doubled in just five years, from $500 million in 2008, to $1 billion in 2013.

CGIAR works with partners to benefit the world's poorest people by developing innovative solutions, technologies and tools.

It is hoped that the fruits of increased investment could include a boost in rice production in Asia, a dramatic drop in deforestation linked with agriculture and sustainable irrigation for millions of farms in Africa.

Jonathan Wadsworth, executive secretary for the CGIAR Fund Council, said: "With this new funding, CGIAR is better positioned than ever before to produce world-class science to meet the needs of small-scale farmers, fishers and foresters.

"CGIAR is committed to ensuring that every dollar received will efficiently deliver more and better benefits for the poor."

Research by CGIAR and its partners has previously resulted in new livestock vaccines, new fish strains, sustainable farming methods and improved crop varieties.

In eastern Africa, for example, a vaccine against deadly cattle disease, East Coast fever, has saved 620,000 calves. According to CGIAR, the vaccine could benefit a further 20 million people in the region, creating annual benefits of $270 million.

The $1 billion funding is set to finance the CGIAR's 16 research programs. It is hoped some of the potential impacts could include: boosting rice production to lift 150 million people in Asia out of poverty, providing suitable irrigation to 12 million African households, giving 50 million poor people access to nutritious food crops and saving 1.7 million hectares of forest from destruction.

Rachel Kyte, chair of the CGIAR Fund Council, explained: "The new funding will take CGIAR's work to the next level and be crucial in global efforts to enhance food and nutrition security in a world of climate change."

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Vivienne Mackinnon elected BVA Scottish Branch President

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Vivienne Mackinnon as its new BVA Scottish Branch president.

Dr Mackinnon has over 30 years of experience in veterinary care, encompassing both small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in practices in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia, before joining APHA to work in frontline disease control.

In her speech, Dr Mackinnon reflected on the changes in Scotland's veterinary industry and highlighted her commitment to veterinary education.

Dr Mackinnon said: "I look forward to working with colleagues across the veterinary professions to improve animal health and welfare in the country and support veterinary workplaces."