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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 23rd December 2013
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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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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.