News 11 of 30

Ottawa, Canada, May 12 2008 – Two international experts on food and agriculture will be in Ottawa at IDRC on May 13 to discuss the factors driving escalating food prices. Leaders of Bioversity International and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) will address some of the forces behind the crisis including growing demand for biofuels, climate change, the energy crisis, population growth and changing consumption patterns. They will also offer concrete ways to curb rising food prices through innovations from agricultural research. Barry Wilson of the Western Producer will moderate the discussion, organized by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC).

Who: Robert Zeigler, Director General, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
Emile Frison, Director General, Bioversity International, Representing the Alliance of CGIAR Centers

Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Time: 8:00–8:50 a.m.
Where: 150 Kent (corner of Albert), 8th Floor
A light breakfast will be served

Bioversity International and the International Rice Research Institute are two of the 15 centres that are supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), the largest alliance of international agricultural research centres. Canada’s International Development Research Centre has been a key research partner of the centers supported by the CGIAR, building on a rich history of joint endeavours promoting sustainable growth and reducing poverty.

The event is open to the media. The presentation will be given in English but French simultaneous interpretation will be available. The questions/answer period will be conducted in both English and French. Spaces are limited and journalists are encouraged to register by contacting Isabelle Bourgeault-Tassé at ibourgeault-tasse@idrc.ca or +1 613-236-6163.

For more information, visit www.idrc.ca/foodsecurity or www.cgiar.org

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About the CGIAR
The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) is a strategic partnership of countries, international and regional organizations and private foundations supporting the work of international agricultural research centres.

About IDRC
Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is one of the world’s leading institutions in the generation and application of new knowledge to meet the challenges of international development. For nearly 40 years, IDRC has worked in close collaboration with researchers from the developing world to build healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous societies.

2008-05-12

News 11 of 30