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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."

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RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

News Story 1
 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA publishes Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice

The BSAVA has added a small animal nutrition advice booklet to its series of BSAVA guides.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice offers a resource for veterinary professionals to provide appropriate nutrition for animals. As well as maintaining the wellbeing of healthy pets, the guide explores how nutritional requirements change in times of illness and disease.

The guide is divided into five sections, which explore the importance of nutritional assessment; diet types; feeding at different life stages; feeding for specific situations; and feeding for specific diseases. Online resources are also in the BSAVA Library including client handouts and videos.

It is designed to be suitable for referencing, in-depth case planning and team training sessions.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice can be purchased online from the BSAVA store.