Prospects of Collaboration between AVRDC–The World Vegetable Center, in Taiwan, and ICBA

Food and nutritional security is a critical challenge facing the globe, and addressing this challenge is a top priority for ICBA and its partners. Improving agriculture production of vegetables on marginal land can contribute to addressing emerging challenges and promoting good health among poor, young women and children.

During September 2014, Dr. Yvon Martel, Board Member of ICBA, was invited by the Agriculture Technology Research Institute of Taiwan to participate in an international workshop on “Creating Synergy, Partnership and New Business Opportunities in Agriculture”. During his visit, Dr. Martel visited key agricultural sites including AVRDC – The World Vegetable Center.

At AVRDC, Dr. Martel visited the genebank, the world’s largest public collection of tropical vegetable germplasm, the vegetable demonstration garden of the Center, and discussed the various aspects of collaboration opportunities between AVRDC and ICBA.

Both ICBA and AVRDC are part of the Association of International Research and Development Centres for Agriculture (AIRCA), a nine-member alliance focussed on agriculture research, education, extension and enterprise for development.