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Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research

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ACIAR
Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
Agency overview
JurisdictionCommonwealth Government
HeadquartersCanberra, ACT, Australia
Employees80[1]
Minister responsible
Agency executive
  • Professor Wendy Umberger, Chief Executive Officer
Websitewww.aciar.gov.au
Footnotes
Foreign Affairs and Trade Portfolio

The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) is an Australian Government statutory agency that forms part of the overseas aid program in the Foreign Affairs and Trade Portfolio, reporting to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. ACIAR was established under the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research Act 1982[2] (the ACIAR Act), as amended, to identify agricultural problems in developing problems and brokers Australian agricultural scientists to find solutions.[3]

History

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In 1976 Sir John Crawford recommended the Australian Government set-up and fund an independent International Research Assistance Foundation in Australia[4] in a report tabled in the Australian Parliament.

At the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in 1981, the Australian Government announced it would establish an agricultural research centre charged with contracting research to Australian institutions in the field of agriculture and related disciplines for the benefit of developing countries.

On 3 June 1982, ACIAR formally came into being when the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research Act 1982 (the ACIAR Act) was passed. Sir John Crawford was appointed as the first chairman of its Board of Management, with Professor Jim McWilliam appointed as the first Director.

The first projects supported by ACIAR commenced in 1983.[5]

Aims and functions

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The mission of ACIAR is to enhance the effects of Australia's agricultural science expertise by establishing and funding partnerships for agricultural research aimed at development in developing nations. ACIAR collaborates with both public and private research entities to boost the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural practices and to fortify the food systems' resilience across the Indo-Pacific partner countries. ACIAR is guided by a 10-Year Strategy that focuses strongly on issues to improve food security and reduce poverty.[6]

The ACIAR research portfolio encompasses:

  • key agriculture sectors—crops, fisheries, forestry, horticulture and livestock
  • science and disciplines supporting these sectors—agronomy, plant genetics, livestock production, agribusiness, social sciences, soil and land management, water, and climate
  • assessment of results and outcomes to guide future investment—impact evaluation.

ACIAR aims to contribute to poverty reduction and improved regional security with partner countries in the Pacific, East and South-East Asia, South Asia and Eastern and Southern Africa.

ACIAR develops the foundational knowledge supporting 6 key development goals:

  • Enhancing food security and reducing poverty
  • Managing natural resources and addressing climate change
  • Improving human health and nutrition
  • Promoting gender equality and empowering women
  • Fostering inclusive value chains
  • Strengthening scientific and policy capabilities.

ACIAR also manages Australia's investment in the international agricultural research system, chief among which is the CGIAR. ACIAR represents Australia on the CGIAR System Council, and Australians occupy a number of leadership positions across the CGIAR network.

To promote and support collaborative research initiatives that progress 6 strategic objectives, ACIAR also provides research support to other multilateral institutions, including:

ACIAR develops and manages co-investment alliances and partnerships with like-minded organisations to foster and implement global research collaborations that support strategic development in agriculture, fisheries and forestry including the:

ACIAR supports the following initiatives through global research collaborations:

  • CultiAF
  • Food Loss Research Program
  • Demand-led breeding

The head office for ACIAR is located at ACIAR House in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory.

Chief Executive Officer

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Professor Wendy Umberger is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research. Professor Umberger was appointed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs in July 2023 and is the first woman to lead the agency and its seventh CEO since the organisation was established in 1982.[15]

On commencement of her leadership in August 2023, Professr Umberger acknowledged the strong position of ACIAR in contributing to transforming global agrifood systems.Professor Umberger reaffirmed the agency's commitment to working with international and Australian research partner organisations and agencies to further strengthen the research partnerships needed to underpin sustainable agrifood systems.[16]

Commission for International Agricultural Research

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The Commission for International Agricultural Research was established under Section 7 of the ACIAR Act 1982. Its functions are to provide advice to the Foreign Minister on the formulation of agricultural research programs and policies to identify agricultural problems and find solutions in developing countries.[17]

The commissioners for the period 17 September 2023 to 16 September 2026 are:[18]

Policy Advisory Council (for International Agricultural Research)

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The Policy Advisory Council (the council) was established under Section 17 of the ACIAR Act 1982. The council provides advice to the Foreign Minister regarding agricultural problems of developing countries, and programs and policies for agricultural research that identify agricultural problems and/or find solutions to agricultural problems in developing countries.[19]

The current[when?] board appointments are:[citation needed]

  • Dr Nick Austin (President)
  • Dr Audrey Aumua
  • Dr Nguyen Van Bo
  • Professor Ramesh Chand
  • Dr Reynaldo Ebora
  • Dr Segenet Kelemu
  • Professor Teatulohi Matainaho
  • Professor Achmad Suryana
  • Dr Rachel Chikwamba
  • Dr Surmsuk Salakpetch
  • Dr Sunny Verghese
  • Kathryn Campbell

Research outcomes

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ACIAR contributes to sustainable economic growth and enhanced regional stability within the Indo-Pacific, with a particular focus on economic diplomacy and women's economic empowerment.

Examples of ACIAR research that has been applied to improve the livelihoods of farmers both in partner countries and in Australia:

  • Panama disease TR4
  • Fall armyworm
  • Honeybee pests and diseases
  • Restoration of coral reefs
  • Oysters
  • Faba bean gall disease
  • Fish migration in the Mekong River

ACIAR has made a significant contribution to meeting the complex challenges of growing more food, reducing poverty and improving biosecurity in the Indo-Pacific region.[20] Over this time ACIAR has committed to assessing impact and where possible, quantifying the achievements of Australian and international research partners. A 2022 impact assessment of the research funded by ACIAR since its inception outlined the total benefit of projects is estimated at $64.4 billion with a benefit: cost ratio of 43:1.[21]

Fellowships, scholarships and training support

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The John Allwright Fellowship and John Dillion Fellowship provides the opportunity for partner country scientists involved in ACIAR-supported research projects to obtain postgraduate qualifications at Australian tertiary institutions. The fellowships are administered through the Australia Awards.[22]

The Meryl Williams Fellowship is s leadership program that aims to strengthen the leadership and management skills of women working in agricultural research for development in the Indo-Pacific and is administered through the University of New England.[23]

The Pacific Agriculture Scholarships and Support (PASS) Program provides scholarships and support to postgraduate students in agriculture, forestry and fisheries at The University of the South Pacific and Fiji National University. ACIAR also supports training activities delivered by the Crawford Fund including the Master Class and Training Program, a program of online mentoring linking agricultural researchers from developing countries with mentors in Australia, and the next-gen suite of activities designed to build interest in careers in international agricultural research.[citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ APS Statistical Bulletin 2015–2016 (Report). Australian Public Service Commission. September 2016. Archived from the original on 8 May 2018. Retrieved 3 January 2017.
  2. ^ Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research Act 1982 (Cth)
  3. ^ "Australia's development program". Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
  4. ^ Miller, J. D. B., "Crawford, Sir John Grenfell (Jack) (1910–1984)", Australian Dictionary of Biography, Canberra: National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, retrieved 24 May 2022
  5. ^ ACIAR. "Partners magazine 2022 Issue 1". ACIAR. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
  6. ^ "Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research launches 10-year strategy". Minister for Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 26 February 2018.
  7. ^ "Our Partners". The Pacific Community. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  8. ^ "Country Partners | APAARI Community". Archived from the original on 25 May 2022. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  9. ^ Brassica. "Donors". World Vegetable Center. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  10. ^ "Affiliates | Global Research Alliance". globalresearchalliance.org. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  11. ^ "CABI and ACIAR sign AUD $2.1 million four-year agreement to steer future collaboration". CABI.org. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  12. ^ "Portfolio budget statements". Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  13. ^ "Gaining food security by cutting food loss | IDRC - International Development Research Centre". idrc.ca. 3 June 2021. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  14. ^ "Our Partners". Syngenta. 23 November 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  15. ^ "Appointment of ACIAR Chief Executive Officer". Minister of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
  16. ^ "First female CEO commences at ACIAR". ACIAR. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  17. ^ "Commission for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) | Directory". directory.gov.au. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
  18. ^ "Commission for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR): Current board appointments". Australian Government Directory. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  19. ^ "Policy Advisory Council (for International Agricultural Research) | Directory". directory.gov.au. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
  20. ^ "Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research". The Pacific Community. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  21. ^ ACIAR. "The impact of ACIAR work in agricultural research for development 1982–2022". ACIAR. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  22. ^ "Australia Awards". Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  23. ^ England, University of New. "Supporting women supporting the Indo-Pacific". une.edu.au. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
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