1966 1969 1977 A farsighted proposal 5 Carimagua 50YEARSOF 1960 1967 A powerful mission 1971 1972 197 0 Beans 1973 1974 Rice 197 CIAT is born The Green Revolution 1968 December 1969 CGIAR A ‘learn by doing’ approach CIAT headquarters under construction CIAT headquarters opens its doors Growth and consolidation The first year Cattle in the Colombian Eastern Plains, 1986. A The first annual report can be consulted in the CIAT Library. CT IAT Building on the success of the Green Revolution, Dr. Peter Jennings in 1984. CIAT releases its first Annual Report with the Through the 1970s, arrangements are made Dr. Lowell S. Hardin of the Ford Foundation and Beans Dr. John L. Nickel to conduct field research for the Beef Program Dr. Lewis M. Roberts of the Rockefeller Foundation following introductory statement - earnest Documents from 1970 and 1971, proposing the establishment of a consultative group on Director General Peter Jennings was one of the pioneer breeders CIAT’s first Board of Directors. Dr. Ulysses J. Grant smiles at the bottom right. Armando international agricultural research. at locations with varying types of acid, infertile propose the establishment of an international words which, when read today, show CIAT’s Board of Trustees approves a program CIAT’s longest-serving Director General Samper stands in the back, second from the right. Samper would become CIAT’s only El Porvenir, the original buildings on the CIAT headquarters site. CIAT headquarters from the sky. behind the famous IR8 variety of rice developed soils: the ICA Carimagua National Agricultural Dr. Akira Tanaka (left) and Dr. Peter Jennings at IRRI, both leading rice scientists behind research center for tropical agricultural to official Chairman Emeritus. the Green Revolution. In 1967, Dr. Jennings becomes one of the first international unwavering commitment: “The mission of the In May 1971, 18 countries and four for work on common beans, Phaseolus vulgaris, at IRRI during the 1960s. IR8 is an early- Latin American rice technicians observe plants in a rice blast nursery. Research Center in the Colombian Eastern scientists to work at CIAT. be headquartered in Palmira, Colombia. The CIAT is formally established on October 17, International Center for Tropical Agriculture Center operations move from Cali to “EI Staff positions available at CIAT in September, 1968. organizations, convinced that agricultural a principal source of protein for many people in Construction of CIAT headquarters is Dr. John L. Nickel assumes the role of Director maturing, high performing variety that allowed Plains; CIAT-Quilichao, 40 kilometers south of CIAT was founded on the hope and positivity of Rockefeller Foundation already had a presence 1967. Though formed in cooperation with the Eleven graduates in animal sciences and (CIAT) is to accelerate agricultural and economic Porvenir” farm, the location of CIAT’s current science is a powerful tool to combat hunger, Latin America. This work is to take place across completed six years after the foundation of General and is widely credited for guiding rice production in Asia to quadruple, forming Cali; and the Cerrados Agricultural Research the Green Revolution. Back in the 1950s, in an in Colombia. They knew that the climate and Colombian government, CIAT would function Center operations begin with ten staff and veterinary medicine complete CIAT’s first course development and to increase agricultural headquarters in Palmira. The 520-hectare lot unite as the Consultative Group on International Latin America and the Caribbean. In 1972, CIAT the organization. The architectural design, CIAT through fifteen years of growth and part of the Green Revolution. Jennings became Center (CPAC) of EMBRAPA (Brazilian Agricultural effort to combat world hunger, George Harrar landscape of the Valle de Cauca region was well- autonomously, governed by an international a budget of US$337,251. Professional staff in the Livestock Production Specialist Training production and productivity in order to improve is purchased for the Colombian Government Agricultural Research (now CGIAR). Originally held 3,010 accessions of Phaseolus vulgaris. featuring Andalusian-style arches and Spanish consolidation. CIAT management and Board one of CIAT’s first international recruits in 1967. Research Corporation), 35 kilometers northeast of the Rockefeller Foundation and Forrest F. Hill suited to the needs of such an institute, Palmira board of trustees. Dr. Ulysses J. Grant, a members are hired into one of four disciplines: Project. Strategically located near a university, the diets and welfare of the people of the world. with funds from the Rockefeller, Ford, Kellogg, headquartered in Washington, DC, CGIAR By 1976, CIAT has accepted primary responsibility colonial construction, is the work of Jaime of Trustees shift the focus of research from He claimed to enjoy the direct relationships of Brasilia, Brazil. Notorious for the poor quality of the Ford Foundation commit to developing a was well located between agricultural colleges plant breeder and the Regional Director of and research stations, and the Government plant sciences, animal sciences, service an agricultural college and an experimental In addition, CIAT is concerned with increases in and Kresge Foundations. The Colombian starts as an informal association of countries, for bean research from CGIAR and is designated Ponce de León, a young architect from Bogotá. disciplines such as plant sciences, animal he was able to develop with Latin American of its native grasses, acid soils, and long dry M O M E N T S A N D M I L E S T O N E S network of international agricultural research of Colombia had proven to be a gracious and the Agricultural Program of the Rockefeller disciplines (economics, engineering, and research station, CIAT aims to complement buying power of urban residents in the sense Government agrees to lease the land to CIAT seasons, the Carimagua Research Station in international and regional organizations, and the world center for the maintenance of bean Grand celebrations include a Dedication Day, sciences, and economics, to more commodities- farmers. Through the 70s and 80s, high-yielding, accommodating host. The proposal highlights the Foundation in Colombia, is designated particular would become an invaluable research centers. The first two centers, IRRI in the biometrics), and training and communications. university training with direct on-the-job that they may be able to purchase more and for one peso per year. Staff offices and housing private foundations in support of agricultural germplasm by the International Board of Plant Employee’s Day, Neighbour’s Day, Founder’s based research. Beans, cassava, rice and tropical semidwarf varieties derived from IR8 are sown site for CIAT’s Tropical Pastures program. Philippines (1960) and CIMMYT in Mexico need for interdisciplinary approaches, training Interim Director. Grant, a man of both vision Administrative work is conducted at offices in experience. Through the 1970s and early 1980s, thus benefit from the increased food supplies.” facilities for trainees are temporarily located research. CIAT, IRRI, CIMMYT and IITA are Genetic Resources (now known as Bioversity Day, and the main event, Inaugural Day, on forages, the four mandate crops in effect to this throughout Latin America, teams of innovative These off-site research stations are emblematic (1966), is where research on high-yielding opportunities, and both national and international and action, is lauded as being the chief Cali, until facilities in Palmira can be established. over 2000 scientists and agriculturalists from Later, CIAT’s mission would focus increasingly in renovated farm buildings on this site. supported as the original CGIAR centers. Over International). Today, CIAT safeguards a collection October 12, 1973. Hundreds of guests, staff, and day, are established as primary research units scientists and partners solve new puzzles, and of CIAT’s strategic efforts to adapt crops to Events People Products varieties of rice and wheat is credited with cooperation - ideals which have guided CIAT’s negotiator, promoter, and executer behind the In January 1969, CIAT is given access to 20 different countries would complete training on raising incomes for smallholder farmers and Work begins on the construction of the first four decades, the number of CGIAR centers of over 36,000 varieties and conducts research important leaders from Colombia and abroad in 1975. The Swine, Beef and Maize units are the region experiences a Green Revolution their environments, rather than adapting saving over a billion lives from starvation. actions to this day. establishment of CIAT. 80 hectares of land at the Palmira site. activities at CIAT. the rural poor. permanent building in June. grows from four to fifteen. across the globe. attend these events. gradually phased out. of its own. environments to crops. 1969 1971 1973 1974 Around 1974 January 1974 1975 1977 1978 1979 1979 A pioneer of the cassava and bean Creation of the CIAT Employee Fund, A global disease of a major food crop Tropical forage plant germplasm The new laboratories Creation of the CIAT Workers’ Union – Selection for Mega Environments The science behind the move to Rice hoja blanca: A disease of rice in RIEPT - A partnership network for Plant Nutrition and Physiology germplasm collections CRECIAT collection SINTRACIAT Africa and Asia tropical Latin America tropical forage research Laboratory Hoja blanca was a challenging viral disease for rice Here Louis Crouch, Chair of the Board, discusses variation in cassava adaptation to lower CRECIAT is an institution which was set up by a Here President Omar Torrijos of Panama inspects the new labs accompanied by Ned Raun, temperatures in Popayán. Common research methodologies were developed during network meetings, and these Dr. Eduardo Álvarez Luna with Ángela Misas from the library at a Christmas party in Bean common mosaic disease was identified as one of the most In 1974, the decision to assemble a collection of Director of Animal Sciences and James Cock, leader of the cassava program. The CIAT workers’ union was founded on 9 In 1977, Peter Jennings and James Cock farmers in the 1970s, 43 years after its first emergence. methodologies are still used for tropical forage germplasm evaluation in Latin America and the The first chemical analyses under the forages and soil research El Porvenir in 1972. group of CIAT employees, with support from the tropical forage plant germplasm for conservation and Caribbean up to the present day. important biotic factors responsible for the relatively low yields programs were carried out in 1979. In 1989, Dr. Idupulapati Rao Dr. Eduardo Álvarez Luna, Director of Plant The beautiful CIAT buildings caught the eye January 1975. It was created to improve the From the early 1970s, the Cassava Program published their seminal paper on the origin Three years later, another outbreak took place in the center. It was created to promote savings, the of common bean in the tropics and subtropics. A collaborative distribution by CIAT led to intensive plant exploration olombia, which prompted The International Tropical Pastures Evaluation began working with the bean program and today, 38 years later, Sciences, was a great visionary for CIAT who of some high-level politicians in Latin America working and social conditions of workers at CIAT. adopted a strategy of adapting the crop to of crops and their productivity, which Eastern Plains of C acquisition of property, and the social well-being research project led by the CIAT Bean Program showed that and collection activities by CIAT staff and national Dr Jennings and his colleagues at CIAT to work Network (RIEPT) - a cooperative research and it is known as the Plant Nutrition and Physiology Laboratory. organized its first germplasm collection of bean soon after they were opened. These same labs It gave rise to the housing fund, the welfare its environment rather than changing the demonstrated that crops perform better of employees. Currently, we work hand-in-hand there were four major whitefly-borne viruses affecting common partners. The majority of the 23,000 accessions on infected rice tissue. Within a few weeks, they communication system covering most of the During this time, laboratory staff conducted analyses of plant and cassava. In the early days, Eduardo was are still in use today - a tribute to those who fund, and the sponsorship fund. environment to suit the crop. At the time, outside their center of origin. This provided the with CIAT and SINTRACIAT (CIAT workers’ union) bean in Latin America. The genes responsible for the resistance currently held at the CIAT genebank stems from had successfully separated the culprit - a foreign countries in tropical America - was created by tissue and soil samples delivered by researchers from the also a magnificent ambassador for CIAT and designed them. this was a radical change from the high-input basis for strengthening our work on developing to improve the quality of life of our associates. collection trips conducted in the period 1974-1990 Submitted by: SINTRACIAT Board of Directors 2017 traits to the viruses were further characterized and then used philosophy of the Green Revolution. bean varieties for Africa and cassava for Asia. nucleoprotein (virus) - from the other components CIAT in 1979. It was the platform for a range of forages and bean programs. The processes carried out here are established many national programs around in tropical America, Africa and Asia. This collection Submitted by: James Cock Submitted by: CRECIAT team by Dr. Singh and Dr. Steve Beebe to introduce resistance to Nearly 40 years later, in 2016, Colin Khoury naturally found in rice plants. The application of this multi-locational trials throughout Latin America controlled from the moment the samples arrive in the lab until the world. He was a colorful character who was Submitted by: James Cock whitefly-transmitted viruses. This research has allowed millions is unique and particularly valuable as, in contrast to and his colleagues showed that close to 70% research at CIAT led to the development of colonies and the Caribbean set up to evaluate tropical the results are delivered. To ensure the accuracy of analyses, dearly loved in the CIAT community and was of people in rural and urban areas of Latin America to grow most crop germplasm collections whose main goal is of crops grown are foreign and stated that of the planthopper vector, necessary to implement forage germplasm at all levels, from early good laboratory practices (GLP) are maintained, and staff are always the life and soul of every social event. beans in the presence of whitefly-transmitted viruses capable plant breeding, almost all accessions represent wild “Foreign crop usage has increased significantly large-scale field screening trials to select RHBV-resistant accession screening to livestock production trained so they can improve their knowledge and processes, Submitted by: James Cock of causing 100% yield losses in bean varieties. genotypes. Due to habitat destruction, many of them over the past 50 years, including in countries rice varieties for tropical and subtropical rice-producing experiments. and communicate better with team members. We highlight cannot be found in the wild anymore. with high indigenous crop diversity.” regions of the Americas. Submitted by: Rainer Schultze-Kraft Submitted by: Francisco J. Morales Dr. Rao’s work, as well as the work of the Program Leader, Submitted by: Rainer Schultze-Kraft Submitted by: James Cock Submitted by: Francisco J. Morales Dr. Michael Peters. Submitted by: Gonzalo Antonio Borrero Tamayo 1988 1989 Famous training materials 1996 1986 Internationalization 1981 1982 1983 1995 1996 CIAT launches PABRA Achieving results on commodity crops 1992 1995 Integrated Pest Management 1997 1997 Seeds of Hope 1997 GIS pioneers Projects extend into Africa and Asia The cassava revolution begins Ten years at headquarters Shifting paradigms Powerful networks at home 30th Anniversary celebrations Participatory Research and Gender 1977 1978 1985 Analysis Genetic Resources Unit opens Iconic bus service Biotech Lab opens Cassava genetic material ready for shipment to Brazil. 1986 A CIAT audiotutorial in action, 1980s. CIAT’s proposal for PABRA, 1996. CIAT and the Colombian Government ratify an During the late 1970s and 80s, CIAT produces agreement to change CIAT’s legal status from being a 132 audio-tutorial kits, each consisting of a slide A whitefly infestation on a cassava leaf. CIAT research supports beans as “a near perfect Dr. Reinhardt Howeler, left, in 1980, was one of the first scientists to be stationed in Asia. national corporation with an international mandate to set, audio-cassette and study guide. These tutorials Beans in Rwanda. food”, high in protein and micronutrients; and being an officially recognized international organization. are immensely popular among students and Due to their well-established reputation in yet, research also shows that bean production A land-use map from 1997, taken from a book outlining how GIS tools can Producing dried cassava chips for poultry rations. Northern Colombia, 1986. A map of the Orinoquia and Amazonia regions, taken assist with decision-making in Latin America and the Caribbean. CIAT scientists recognize the potential for 10th Anniversary Logo. Although CIAT had no trouble operating as a national extension workers for their low cost and usability. 1992-1993 Annual Report is a particularly More than 800,000 people died during the 1994 Scientists prepare beans for trials. Rwanda, 1986. from a book outlining the challenges associated with the Integrated Pest Management (IPM), CIAT in sub-Saharan Africa is not living up to its cassava production in Asia. Able to grow in compelling read. Due to early collaboration with IRRI in the corporation, it was felt that all CGIAR centers should Examples of titles include: Secado natural de raíces genocide in Rwanda. Genetic resource facilities development of the region. entomologists coordinate a global IPM project potential. This leads to the launch of the A commemorative book documenting CIAT’s 30th anniversary. CIAT began experimenting with new, affordable Participatory research on watershed management in Yorito, Honduras. As part of an internationally focused group poor soils, drought-tolerant, and suited to CIAT celebrates its tenth anniversary. The Japanese Philippines, CIAT was quick to introduce obtain legal status aligned with their international de yuca sobre suelos de concreto (Natural drying of In conjunction with the 1992 UN Earth Summit were destroyed and seeds were eaten. Worried A special agreement is signed between the to understand more about how whitefly- Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA), an alliance of national research networks that CIAT celebrates its 30th anniversary with Geographic Information System (GIS) tools in CIAT’s Genetic Resources Staff, 1978. Unit Director Robert A. Luse stands in the back of centers, CIAT assumes responsibilities for both food and industrial markets, cassava is a Ambassador in Colombia presents CIAT with its improved rice varieties to Latin American mandate, international sources of funding, and cassava roots on concrete floors) and Principios del in Rio de Janeiro, and responding to the growing that mass starvation would occur without a Colombian Ministry of Agriculture and CIAT to transmitted viruses are spread. This is due to includes government research institutions, a special posthumous homage to its first the early 1980s, a time when even rudimentary CIAT coordinates the Participatory Research and row, wearing a lab coat and glasses. Announcement in CIAT’s internal newsletter, ARCOS (Arches). agricultural development outside of Latin viable alternative for smallholder farmers with first electron microscope, to be administered by Announcement in CIAT’s internal newsletter, ARCOS (Arches). farmers. As a result of this work, by the international composition of staff. This process took intercultivo con fríjol (Principles of intercropping with realization that research aimed to increase replenished seed supply, CGIAR centers join develop agriculture in two regions that occupy the intensification of whitefly infestations among universities, and international research centers. Director General, Ulysses J. Grant. Seven key land-use maps were considered revolutionary. Gender Analysis Program (PRGA), a collaborative CIAT opens its Genetic Resources Unit. Its task America and the Caribbean. Efforts are made marginal plots and few resources. Collaborative the virology section of the Bean Program. This gift end of the 1970s, it was clear that rice had five years, after a memorandum of understanding beans). Through the 1980s, CIAT distributes over food production must also contribute to the forces in a project called “Seeds of Hope”. CIAT half of Colombian territory - the Orinoquia critical crops which puts the livelihoods of It works with farmers, rural communities, presentations are made by former board chairs, Peter Jones, an agricultural geographer, pioneers effort across CGIAR centers. Its aim is to will be to centralize germplasm maintenance and Residents of Cali, Colombia (“Caleños”) became to post staff in Africa and Asia, particularly for research began in the late 1970s, with the allows CIAT scientists to magnify up to 200,000 By the mid-1980s, biotechnology has emerged become more profitable for producers and was signed at anniversary celebrations in 1983. 8000 units, including editions in English and French conservation of natural resources, poverty Deputy Director General William Scowcroft leads “Llanos” and Amazonia regions. This agreement millions of tropical smallholder farmers at risk. NGOs, and other private sector organizations donors, and government officials. Celebratory to increase smallholder access to improved this work at CIAT. By the late 1990s, Jones strengthen, consolidate, and ensure widespread handling tasks to free up time in the commodity familiar with the iconic white buses that work on cassava in Indonesia and Thailand, and exchange of germplasm between CIAT and times, compared to their regular microscopes as a key tool in the development of improved less costly for consumers. By the mid-1980s, Agreements were signed by the World Bank, the United for programs in Africa and Asia. In 1989, reduction, and the promotion of equity, CIAT the project, ensuring that Rwandan farmers calls for extensive technical and scientific Growing pesticide use only boosts resistance and marketable bean varieties, new crop messages are shadowed by more challenging and his team create dynamic CD-ROM tools, adoption of gender analysis and participatory transport employees to and from headquarters on beans in Burundi, Rwanda and Zaire (now national breeding programs in Thailand. Cassava which magnify 2000 times. Director General crop varieties, supporting plant breeding efforts in northern Colombia, new cassava processing Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Colombian Dr. James K. Ampofo, a CIAT entomologist programs. Today, CIAT’s Genetic Resources Unit methods enable cassava producers to reach Government, the Food and Agriculture Organization of stationed in Tanzania praised the format, “The launches its Resource Management Research are supplied with the varieties of seeds they cooperation among Colombian research among whitefly populations, contaminates management techniques, and market chain themes, including the rise of intellectual layering different policy scenarios, population approaches across center research activities. holds the world’s largest collections for three from Monday through Friday. Though bus the Democratic Republic of the Congo). At this production in Asia grows exponentially over the John Nickel points to this as a reflection of CIAT’s and the safe exchange of genetic material. In the new markets. Cassava is seen as a means the United Nations (FAO), and CIAT. Through Law 29, slides can be used selectively for special purposes, Division. It makes a clear investment toward had before, suited to their soil and climate, and partners. The high level of knowledge sharing soil and water, and jeopardizes the health of information. Since 1996, PABRA has released property disputes over genetic resources; projections, climate data, and other parameters PRGA demonstrates how engaging women and of CIAT’s mandated crops – common beans service began in the early 70s, CIAT purchases time, CIAT’s long-range plan calls for significant coming decades. CIAT breeders, entomologists, focus on field-oriented work. CIAT also receives 2000s, the unit looks towards crop wild relatives to bring smallholder farmers out of poverty. CIAT was recognized as an international organization, a flexibility which is not possible with videos. Their both sustainable development and gender resistant to local pests and diseases. Through the and collaboration among regional scientists, farmers and their families. Experts from five over 550 new bean varieties across Africa, problems regarding the distribution of food to over geographic maps. Over time, these CD-ROMs marginalized farmers in technology design and (approximately 36,000 accessions), cassava new white buses in 1978. They arrive on campus increases in outposted staff and for an emphasis agronomists, and partners throughout the USD$500,000 from the Kellogg Foundation to finish to answer questions regarding genetic distances Researchers find that by drying cassava plants, and was granted corresponding privileges and value cannot be underrated, particularly in Africa, equity. Four new programs are established following decade, CIAT, Catholic Relief Services farmers, and programs has long been an international centers and 55 national institutions many of which have transformed beans from a subsistence crop to a cash crop - again, marking the poor; resource degradation in conjunction have evolved into web tools such as Terra-i, which development decisions improves the adoption (7,000 accessions) and tropical forages (over daily at 7:30 a.m. and depart like clockwork at on decentralization through global networking region provide extensive training and outreach the 200-seat Kellogg Auditorium, the final step in between crops, and to place a renewed emphasis farmers can obtain stable prices for their crops. immunities, such as tax exemption and the freedom to even though in some countries slide projectors can under this initiative: Forest Margins, Hillsides, (CRS), and CARE Norway collaborate on a series of outstanding feature of CIAT’s relationship with in 33 countries join forces in the quest for a CIAT’s focus on raising incomes of smallholder with poverty; and growing concerns over the uses satellite data to monitor in near real-time of new technologies and encourages more 23,000 accessions). 4:40 p.m. By 2016, CIAT has 17 buses in service. and collaboration. services to Asian scientists and farmers. completing the ‘master plan’ for construction. on the protection of biodiversity. Dried cassava can also be used as animal feed. transfer genetic resources. be difficult to find.” Savannas, and Land Use. seed aid and seed system security guides. its host country. sustainable solution. farmers. global water supply. land-use change Latin America, Asia and Africa. sustainable outcomes. 1985 1987 1990 1992 1994 1994 1998 1999 1999 1999 Dr. William Roca and his open-door Co-founding of FLAR Biological control of mealybug Economic analysis for decision There have also been some CIAT sets up offices in Honduras laboratories making difficult times... and Nicaragua as part of the Creation of a tissue collection at the Peter Jones and his work on rainfall Implementation of marker-assisted HarvestPlus and AgroSalud CIAT-Hillsides project von Humboldt Institute patterns in the tropics selection (MAS) In 1999 Peter Jones and Phil Thornton published a paper in Agricultural and Forest Meteorology on daily rainfall patterns in the tropics. They discovered how tropical rainfall works using a third-order Markov model. This was one of the driving forces behind Jones’s development of a database of daily weather data for the tropics, which later became an important input for global climate modeling. The research also form the basis for Jones’s In 1987, a budgetary decision of CIAT’s Board This picture is of Tony Belloti in his beloved Bellagio at a cassava conference in 2004. MarkSim model, which is still considered the Dr. Willy Roca is a leader and a visionary whose work of Trustees left rice research without funding best model for generating daily weather in Marker-assisted selection (MAS) to find resistance to the tropics. the golden mosaic virus in bean using a SCAR marker The HarvestPlus initiative was launched in 1999; the philosophy is based on the exchange of experiences, and prompted the signature of the agreement The cassava mealybug was devastating fields in Africa. Economic research in CIAT has always supported Staff from CIAT, an organization which is As part of the CIAT-Hillsides flagship project, CIAT’s Biotechnology Laboratory provides technical Submitted by: Glenn Hyman associated with the bgm-1 gene started in 1999 at biofortification programs were created as a way of a dialogue of knowledge, and collaborative learning that created the Latin American Fund for The search was on for natural enemies in the Americas, policy maker decisions. At the end of the 1980s, characterized by the solidarity of its people, offices were opened in Honduras and support for a tissue collection at the Molecular Biology CIAT. This resulted in a reduction of bean breeding producing crops such as cassava, bean and rice fortified through networks supporting knowledge management Irrigated Rice (FLAR) on 16 January 1995. This but nobody knew where to find them. In 1980, Tony a remarkable group of CIAT scientists (L. Rivas, J. joined a silent demonstration on behalf of the Nicaragua. Legal support was provided by IICA Laboratory of the von Humboldt Institute to preserve efforts for this trait by 57%. Afterwards, the SCAR N14 with vitamins and minerals in an effort to tackle malnutrition strategies in agricultural research projects. He developed public-private partnership aims to improve Bellotti went to Paraguay and noticed a mealybug García, C. Sere, L. Jarvis, L. Sanint, and D. Pachico) release of kidnapped journalist Thomas Hargrove, and finance was provided by SDC, IDRC, and and study the genetic information of Colombia’s diverse was used to identify apomixis in Brachiaria. Every in marginalized populations. The first carotene analyses the Biotechnology Unit at CIAT. His concept of an the competitiveness and sustainability of rice he had not seen before. He popped it in a bottle and developed an advanced impact assessment model who was released in the following year. IADB. A “Consultative Group” of key institutions flora and fauna, and to boost research into species 3 years from 2005, the newly generated hybrids with of cassava roots was conducted at CIAT, quantification open-door laboratory was innovative and he was production systems using an eco-efficiency sent it off for identification: it was the one decimating to estimate economic returns to agricultural Submitted by: Isled Yomar Hernández and organizations in the region were involved that may be threatened, endemic, new, indicator, or of this marker were selected by breeders, and non- strategies were improved and a high degree of heritability co-founder of REDBIO - an organization that strengthens approach. Representatives of Brazil, Colombia, cassava in Africa. The search for its natural enemies research and development using surplus analysis. to support the planning of activities on economic importance, among others. A comprehensive apomictic progenies were discarded, with an accuracy for carotene content was shown. Improved populations were the biotechnology research capacities of Latin American Venezuela, and CIAT are founding members. focused on Paraguay, and the mealybug was eventually This product (MODEXC – Economic Surplus Analysis priority issues, such as soils, watersheds, knowledge of the species from the genetic, ecological, of 90%. Up to 2015, a total of 22,000 Brachiaria plants sent to Africa where, in collaboration with IITA, biofortified countries. He took part in the creation of the Cassava Submitted by: FLAR team controlled in Africa. In 1990, the joint work of CIAT and Model) has been used in hundreds of studies, and it and participatory research through the Local and physiological perspective allows for the design were evaluated using this optimized process which varieties were released and reached millions of people. The Biotechnology Network (CBN) and he recently managed IITA (International Institute of Tropical Agriculture) was has guided the decision making of regional partners Agricultural Research Committees (CIALs) and support of strategies for the conservation and incorporates molecular selection into conventional AgroSalud project was later launched in 2005 in 14 countries cross-cutting themes for CIAT’s knowledge management recognized by CGIAR for its achievements in the area of and national research institutes in demonstrating proposed by CIAT, and the Technology Options sustainable use of Colombia’s biological resources. breeding. of the LAC region, including most Central American countries. and capacity strengthening. biological control of the cassava mealybug in Africa. R&D benefits and prioritizing the research setting. for Hillsides methodology (SOL) to evaluate It aimed to produce bean varieties with higher mineral Submitted by: Joe Tohme, Eduardo Tovar, Gerardo Gallego and Submitted by: William Roca, Joe Tohme, Constanza Quintero, Submitted by: Joe Tohme, Alba Lucía Chávez, Gerardo Gallego, Submitted by: James Cock, Glenn Hyman, Rodrigo Zúñiga and crop varieties. Roosevelt Escobar Gerardo Gallego, Roosevelt Escobar and Paul Chavarriaga content in order to raise nutritional levels and produce better Roosevelt Escobar and Claudia Zúñiga María Isabel Gómez Submitted by: Impact assessment team Submitted by: María Eugenia Baltodano and Vilia Escobar quality food. Submitted by: Byron Reyes 2001 CIAT takes a lead on ‘Biofortification’ 2017 2002 2009 2005 2006 Confronting climate change 2006 2008 Restoring African soil 2010 2017 Harnessing Big Data 1998 2002 Sharing tacit knowledge Linking farmers to markets 2011 2013 2001 Recognition for collaborative work Safeguarding biodiversity 2014 The new CGIAR 2015 on rice Collaboration in the regions A mission sustained Hurricane Mitch disaster response The Cassava ‘Bible’ Opening access to research Concern over globalized diets CIAT and the SDGs Working on campus CIAT partners in Madagascar perform trials to select beans fortified with iron and zinc. CIAT Research Online, CIAT’s Open Access repository of publications. These beans will be used for a school feeding program. With growing concerns about micronutrient CIAT views access to accurate and timely Community leader of the Africa RISING project to restore degraded soils in Ethiopia. deficiencies among women and children in Armed with evidence of our changing climate, information as global public goods, essential developing countries, plant breeders and CIAT establishes a program to investigate ways SoFT Tool. First of CIAT’s four Good Practice Guides (CIAT, 2006). While improved crops and better seed systems to the worldwide effort to fight hunger and economists at a number of CGIAR centers for farmers to respond to the situation. In CIAT boxes are carried into the Svalbard Vault during the Opening Ceremonies, provide a boost to farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, poverty. In 2013, CGIAR centers officially February 2008. A Rwandan farmer with his climbing beans. The 1998 CIAT Website, hosting the Atlas of Honduras: Datos Mitch. strategize over how to increase levels of The Cassava ‘Bible’ particular, the Center’s expertise in Geographic One of the most accessed tools to date on CIAT’s website, Globalized markets and industrialized poor soils are a deep cause for concern. CIAT CGIAR undergoes a radical transformation, commit to making all research outputs Open CIAT staff celebrate the 30th Anniversary of CRECIAT, a unique foundation for Towards a Blue Revolution: Water Harvesting in Nicaragua. The EATxCali Forum on food, health, and the environment in Latin America. Hosted Dr. Andy Jarvis, Director of CIAT’s Decision and Policy Analysis Research Area, at the CIAT employees established in 1971. iron, zinc, and vitamin A in staple crops, Information Systems and other modeling tools Selection of Forages for the Tropics, known as the “SoFT” production of staple crops like maize, wheat, rice Under the auspices of the International coordinates the Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility allowing centers to function as a unified system Due to the efforts of the Rwanda Agriculture Access by 2018. Opening research, including CIAT, jointly with IFPRI, launches the CGIAR Platform for by CIAT in 2015. launch of the CIAT-led Sustainable Amazonian Landscapes Project, 2015. CIAT releases an extensive biophysical and using conventional breeding approaches, CIAT publishes La Yuca en el Tercer Milenio will be used to investigate how climate change tool, is launched under a global partnership led by CSIRO. and soybean have made it increasingly difficult Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food Institute (TSBF), based in Nairobi. Together, CIAT- in pursuit of four overarching goals: reduced Board (RAB), the Pan-Africa Bean Research publications, products and raw data, ensures Dr. Daniel Debouck, Dr. Jacqueline Ashby, Dr. Ruben Echeverría, and Dr. Robin Buruchara at Big Data in Agriculture, with a mission of finding ways CIAT’s 2016 Annual Program Review. socioeconomic database on Honduras just three Anyone who has spent time at CIAT and without decreasing yields. At a CGIAR (Cassava in the Third Millennium), a 520-page will impact agricultural production in the future. Tropical forages experts devise this tool in response to an CGIAR recognizes CIAT and FLAR (the Latin for smallholder farmers to stay competitive. and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) signed two years TSBF devise systems to enrich soil landscapes rural poverty, improved food security, improved Alliance (PABRA), CIAT, HarvestPlus, a multitude that more people can read and apply CIAT’s CIAT scientists release a comprehensive study on the CIAT endorses the United Nations’ new to turn big data — the immense stocks of information weeks before Hurricane Mitch tears through headquarters knows that it is a beautiful place Micronutrients Project meeting at CIAT in 2001, Spanish-language guide to ‘everything about In addition, strategies will be devised to help interesting problem: some of the best minds in forages American Fund for Irrigated Rice) with the Increased global appetites for novel, high-value previously, CIAT sends its first shipment of seeds through a process called Integrated Soil Fertility nutrition and health, and sustainably managed of donors and research partners, and a slew research findings. Researchers without access increasing homogeneity of global diets. Concerned Sustainable Development Goals, the ambitious CIAT has come a long way since 1967, when it collected in computers worldwide — into an invaluable Central America, causing massive floods, to work. Since the beginning, staff and scientists CIAT bean scientist Steve Beebe coins the term cassava’, including production, processing, use, smallholder farmers and policymakers cope research are approaching retirement. They need a way “Innovative Alliance” award. CGIAR acknowledges products like chocolate, coffee and flowers to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in northern Management (ISFM). CIAT-TSBF also collaborates natural resources. Crosscutting CGIAR Research of willing farmers, bean production in Rwanda to expensive journal subscriptions can build that reliance on a few staple crops increases the successor to the Millennium Development employed ten people and was based out of a resource for planning and decision-making. casualties, and crop losses. CIAT GIS teams work have enjoyed sports tournaments, art shows, “biofortification”. HarvestPlus, is born in 2003, and marketing systems. In testament to the with the effects of climate change and research to compile and share their vast knowledge. The SoFT tool the innovative nature of this network in provide a unique opportunity for smallholders Norway. Buried in permafrost near the North with other research institutes on the Africa Soil Programs (CRPs) are established in pursuit increases dramatically. Farmers grow iron-rich on CIAT’s work to find new solutions in the vulnerability of global agriculture to pests, diseases Goals. Six of the seventeen goals reinforce the small set of offices in Cali. Today, CIAT works in The Platform will help to accelerate the development with the Canadian Space Agency to quickly update costume parties, and even salsa lessons under coordinated by CIAT and the International vital importance of this crop, all 8,000 copies will be conducted into whether new agricultural provides a searchable platform through which scientists, particular, which involves public and private to tap into new, lucrative markets. Participatory Information Service (AfSIS), a digital soil mapping of these goals, to make the most of centers’ research approaches at CIAT assess how Pole, the so-called “Doomsday Vault” aims to service designed to support extension workers climbing beans, which can produce up to three pursuit of global food security and sustainable and the impacts of climate change, CIAT calls for global importance of CIAT’s mission to pursue more than 50 countries and has over 300 active of robust responses to some of the most pressing the database with satellite information about CIAT’s iconic arches. As of 2017, Luis Alberto Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). In 2016, sell out during the first year. CIAT and research practices, including the use of improved crops, development practitioners, academia and farmers can find organizations, and which contributes to a small-scale producers can meet the processing safeguard duplicate collections of seeds from with site-specific soil information. CIAT scientists respective strengths and to ensure effective times more food on the same area of land agriculture. CIAT makes quick progress, greater efforts to conserve and use plant genetic sustainable development on multiple fronts: research projects. There are 679 national staff challenges of our time: climate change/variability, the disaster to help guide emergency response Vargas (Technician, Bean Unit, 43 years) and HarvestPlus founding director Howarth Bouis partner CLAYUCA dream of producing the book can be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions forage plants and corresponding information to suit their fund to promote innovation in irrigated rice and packaging demands associated with genebanks around the world. In the event of and partners continue to develop tools and partnerships at all stages of development. than bush beans. These partnerships enabled launching two Open Access repositories, one resources. Food systems research is initiated to assess poverty reduction, food security, universal health and 94 international staff based at Headquarters food insecurity and malnutrition, and environmental measures. Relief workers are able to identify Carlos Nagles (GIS, Decision and Policy Analysis wins the 2016 World Food Prize for his work, in English to benefit growers and producers from farming systems. This new branch of needs. Eleven years after its launch, the SoFT tool receives production. Gonzalo Zorrilla, the Executive agroenterprise development. CIAT releases conflict or natural disaster, seeds would be approaches to restore degraded landscapes, CIAT takes the lead on the Climate Change, producers to tackle rural malnutrition, grow food for publications and one for data, while tackling how to make alternative crops more desirable to and well-being, decent work and economic alone. Director General Ruben Echeverría leads degradation. CIAT’s leadership in this innovative areas most affected and determine suitable crops Unit, 41 years) are CIAT’s longest-serving along with a team from the International Potato outside Latin America. This dream is finally research is tied to CIAT’s Analysis of Spatial over 24,000 individual visitors monthly. Plans for SoFT II are Director of FLAR, accepts the award on behalf of a series of impactful guides over the coming repatriated to countries to help them reestablish enhance soil fertility, and improve and protect Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) initiative on increasingly limited land, and put cash in the digitization of their vast collection consumers, promoting both resilience in agriculture growth, action on climate change, and the a team of researchers and staff with every bit of platform is an inspirational way to embark upon our and locations for replanting. employees. Center (CIP). realized in 2012. Information research area. currently underway. both organizations. decade. crop production. ecosystem services. and, overall, contributes to 12 of the 16 CRPs. farmers’ pockets. Win, win, win! of print materials. and more varied and nutritious human diets. protection of life on land. vision and drive as its founders. next 50 years. 2000 2001 2002 2002 2003 2008 2010 2013 2014 2015 2015 FloraMap – A compass for the tropics Biotechnology in the Classroom Launch of CIAT’s first website Ginés-Mera Memorial Fellowship CCAFS-Climate Data website ICTA releases the first high-iron bean The Colombia Senegal South-South Revisiting adoption and impact The LINK Methodology US scientific honor awarded to a CIAT First Brachiaria hybrid commercialized Fund for Postgraduate Studies variety (ICTA Petén-ACM) Exchange: a milestone fostering the studies of improved crop varieties research leader development of climate forecasts for using molecular markers tools the agricultural sector This is the first high-iron bean variety released in the region as part of the implementation of the AgroSalud project. Since then, two additional bean varieties (ICTA Superchiva-ACM and ICTA Chortí-ACM) have been released. CENTA released the first high-iron bean variety (CENTA Ferromás) in 2011. No additional varieties have been released in the country since then, but more varieties will be released After 20 years of research led by CIAT scientist Peter Jones, Biotechnology in the Classroom was developed in the near future. Within the framework of CCAFS, in 2013, a delegation El País published an article on the FloraMap program, a tool to support biotechnology teaching and training Adoption of Brachiaria hybrids (Mulato, Mulato II and Cayman). CIAT launched its first website in January Submitted by: CIAT team in Central America of key stakeholders from the agricultural sector and that facilitates the conservation of wild relatives of plants or in public high schools. Using simple technical 2002 which included all of its programs and The Cassava Biotechnology Network (CBN) was founded in 1988. meterological service from Colombia and Honduras The documentation of CIAT genetic improvement outcomes The International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) Joe Tohme, director of CIAT’s Agrobiodiversity Research other organisms. Since 1987, the vision of some scientists language, easy-to-build equipment is designed The breeding program (on Brachiaria decumbens x B. regions. It was developed using an innovative It aims to maximise the contribution of modern biology to the DAPA (previously known as Agroecosystems went to Senegal to gain first-hand knowledge of the and impacts has faced challenges such as tracking the use of adapts the value chain map and new business model tools of the LINK Area, is named a Fellow of the American Association for the at CIAT was to compile large amounts of information, which to carry out biotechnological processes in the brizantha x B. ruziziensis) has been one of the most collaboration by an internal network of web agronomic improvement of cassava and to provide a network for Resilience) launches a first version of CCAFS- development of agro-climatic forecasts (i.e. its strategy, CIAT-improved crops varieties in farmers’ fields. CIAT is one of methodology, a guide developed by CIAT. IIED uses LINK to determine Advancement of Science (AAAS). Election as an AAAS Fellow would be made publicly available. The early work of Tom classroom. To address social responsibility successful efforts in improving tropical forages. Brachiaria focal points, an approach which was ahead enhanced communication between scientists through meetings, climate website which became the single most processes, actors, dissemination mechanisms, etc.) This the first organizations to use DNA fingerprinting in adoption if payments for ecosystem services (PES) in smallholder agriculture is an honor bestowed upon AAAS members by their peers. Cochrane and Homologue was the start of big data. Scientists aims, Bioapprentice (Bio-Aprendiz), which germplasm was collected in 1984/1985 from six countries of its time. newsletters and databases. It provides a small grants program used website for long-term climate change experience was fundamental in subsequent efforts to and impact studies on crop improved varieties. The joint and carbon finance can help smallholders to successfully enter existing “Joe’s accomplishments represent the highest ideal of CIAT such as Peter Jones, Daniel Robinson and Simon Carter communicates the research conducted by CIAT (Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and for scientists from developing countries and gives advice on the projections for impact studies. It now houses implement similar initiatives in Colombia. Today, four work of economists and geneticists has produced powerful markets and obtain benefits. This same year, Unilever, the world’s and the entire CGIAR: harnessing agricultural science to obtained source maps from every country in Latin America in a simple and amusing format to the general Zimbabwe) in collaboration with ILCA, and the germplasm Submitted by: Simone Staiger-Rivas preparation of cassava research and training proposals. Chusa more than 20 TB of data for all IPCC climate years later, thanks to this and the continued support of methods that is calling us methods, which calls us to revisit the third largest consumer goods company, adopts the LINK methodology benefit the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people,” and digitized legally protected areas, administrative divisions, public, was launched. This initiative brings was transfered to Colombia in the form of tissue culture. Ginés and Verónica Mera, both of CBN-LAC, tragically lost their lives change scenarios in a variety of formats for CCAFS and CIAT, Colombia has agro-climatic round tables conclusions to revise the conclusions of many adoption and to support its Sustainable Living Plan, which aims to help its buyers said Ruben Echeverría, director general of CIAT. As part of and roads, etc. In the mid-1990s, Glenn Hyman and a decade together scientific education and the science Based on this germplasm, the breeding program in an airplane accident in 2003. A special scholarship fund in their both process- and niche-based modeling. at the national and departmental level, where trade impact studies. This rigorous methodology is bringing more to negotiate with smallholders around the world and develop more the Biological Science section, Tohme was elected as an later, Andy Jarvis, continued by using data sets for population, communication and awareness programs commenced in 1988 and by 2002 the first commercialized memory was established with support from IDRC. The “Ginés-Mera groups (Fedearroz, Fenalce and Corpoica) participate. robust and credible evidence of CIAT outcomes and impacts sustainable and inclusive relationships. Since the first edition of LINK was AAAS Fellow “for distinguished contributions to the field of crops, and assessing the potential of NASA’s SRTM 90 m digital at CIAT. Brachiaria hybrid was released worldwide. Currently about Memorial Fellowship Fund for Postgraduate Studies” was launched Submitted by: C. Navarro Racines, J. Tarapues Montenegro and J. Ramirez- Villegas on genetic improvement and is starting to be widely adopted published in 2012, development NGOs such as CRS, VECO Mesoamerica, plant biotechnology, particularly in seeking ways to reduce elevation models. 700,000 ha of the bred lines sown have been disseminated Submitted by: Osana Bonilla-Findji Submitted by: to help students from developing countries to complete masters Joe Tohme, Roosevelt Escobar, Gerardo Gallego, by CIAT partners. and Heifer International have used it in their work around the world. micronutrient malnutrition using agriculture and genomics.” Submitted by: Silvia Elena Castaño Adriana Bohórquez, Constanza Quintero and Alba Lucía Chávez in collaboration with private sector partners Papalotla and and doctoral level studies in molecular biology, and social and Submitted by: Impact evaluation and strategic studies team Submitted by: Linking Farmers to Markets team Submitted by: Biotechnology Unit Dow AgroSciences. Since 2016, seed of Brachiaria hybrids rights-related aspects of agrobiodiversity and its conservation. Mulato II, Cayman and Cobra have been released with Submitted by: Joe Tohme varietal approval in Kenya. Submitted by: Michael Peters and the Tropical Forages team