CGIAR International Centers Week, Washington, D.C., November 8-12, 1982: Main Conclusions Reached and Decisions Taken

Report in a new format of CGIAR International Centers Week, November 8-12, 1982, in Washington, D.C. Warren Baum, who presided, announced that he would step down as Chairman at the end of 1983. His successor would be selected from World Bank senior management, after consultation.Professor Camus, appearing for the first time as TAC Chairman, reported on TAC meetings 28 and 29. The Group accepted a TAC recommendation that no separate entity should be established for crop protection research, which should be an integral part of center crop management improvement and farming systems research programs. TAC had found no evidence that existing legislation on plant breeders' rights had limited free movement of genetic materials or accelerated genetic erosion. It recommended three steps centers could take to protect semi-finished varieties against misappropriation. TAC approved existing guidelines for external reviews (previously called quinquennial reviews). In future both centers and TAC would submit statements to the Group on review team conclusions. The Group discussed the Second Quinquennial Review of IRRI, which was the first recipient of the King Baudouin Award for its work on IR-36.The Group approved center p&bs for 1983, and the five year indicative plan. TAC was asked to see whether any center special projects might be suitable for inclusion in the core budget. A Swedish initiative for a study of the impact of the CGIAR's research work was approved. The Group heard reports from the Board Chairs and Center Directors, and discussed progress on the implementation of recommendations of the Second System Review. The integrative report addressed germplasm conservation issues. Amid much discussion of funding problems and possible solutions, the World Bank and the United States both agreed to be flexible in applying their matching formulae, and Italy made a major increase in its annual support.Annex: list of participants.