Farming First Welcomes International Plant Nutrition Institute to its Supporters
The International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI) has become the newest supporter of Farming First.
According to its website, IPNI is:
a not-for-profit, science-based organization with a focus on agronomic education and research support…. The mission of IPNI is to develop and promote scientific information about the responsible management of plant nutrition for the benefit of the human family.
IPNI has a global presence with programmes in China, India, Southeast Asia, Northern Latin America, Brazil, Latin America-Southern Cone, the United States, and Canada, plus a new presence in Eastern Europe and Central Asia and soon to be in Australia.
Its initiatives address the world’s growing need for food, fuel, fiber, and feed as well as global issues such as climate change and the relationship of crop production to the environment and ecosystems.
Tags: climate change, environment, fertilizers
Aug 22, 2009
Prominently missing is- Africa, of course. And therefore the question of how ‘International’ this institute is. Disregarding Africa barring the fact that over 80% of food deficit is faced by African populations is hard to ignore. And that, even worse considering the host of research and collaboration that the global CGIAR exerts. Ignoring Africa is a sure course of pulling back any head ways that will ever be made towards fighting food insecurity in the world.
A proposal is certainly needed on how to integrate Africa into IPNI, and the sooner the better. Many are the qualified agricultural scientists waiting in the frame.
Aug 26, 2009
from Terry L. Roberts, Ph.D.
President, International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI)
IPNI recognizes the importance of Africa and the critical food security need it faces. That is why we are lending our support to Farming First.
As a new organization, only two and half years old, we are expanding our programs and activities as our budgets and resources allow. Our intent is to initiate a program in Africa and we have been working to that end for some time.
We began with some research and educational activity in north Africa and initiated a research program in Mozambique on maize intensification two years ago in partnership with the International Fertilizer Industry Association (IFA), the International Potash Institute (IPI), and IFDC (An International Center for Soil Fertility and Agricultural Development). We have also been actively participating in IFA’s Africa Forum and consulting with other organizations working in Africa as we make our plans on how best to proceed.
Africa is part of IPNI’s future plans and we have much to offer that can help the people of Africa produce more food, fuel, and fiber through improved use of plant nutrients.