Rome, Italy — The Global Forum on Agricultural Research and Innovation (GFAiR) and the University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today, marking a significant milestone in global agricultural research and innovation. The signing ceremony took place in Rome, with leaders from both organizations coming together to formalize their commitment to collaborative efforts that aim to transform agrifood systems worldwide.
The MOU was signed by representatives from The Regents of the University of California on behalf of its UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR), and the Global Forum on Agricultural Research and Innovation (GFAiR). This agreement paves the way for a new era of cooperation between two leading institutions dedicated to advancing sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing food security on a global scale.
Under this MOU, UCANR and GFAiR will collaborate on a wide range of initiatives, including joint agricultural research programs, strengthening agricultural extension services, and promoting knowledge sharing and science communication. The partnership will also focus on engaging young professionals and fostering capacity-building opportunities for Master’s and Ph.D. students, ensuring the next generation of agricultural scientists and researchers are well-equipped to tackle future challenges.
The agreement outlines a framework for both parties to work together on specific projects that align with their shared goals. These include developing innovative agricultural technologies, enhancing conservation of natural resources, and building resilient, sustainable agriculture-based communities. The collaboration will extend across local, national, regional, and international levels, bringing together a diverse array of partners to foster a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable agrifood system.
“Today’s signing represents a major step forward in our efforts to address some of the most pressing challenges facing global agriculture,” said Dr. Glenda Humiston, the Vice President of University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR). “By partnering with GFAiR, we are not only expanding our reach but also enhancing our ability to make a meaningful impact on communities both here in California and around the world.”
GFAiR’s Executive Secretary, Prof. Dr. Hildegard Lingnau added, “This MOU is a testament to our shared vision of a world where agricultural research and innovation are at the forefront of sustainable development. Together with UCANR, we will work to transform agrifood systems to be more inclusive, responsive, and sustainable, ensuring food and nutrition security for all.”
The signing ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from global inter-agency mechanisms, regional and sub-regional agricultural research institutions, and members of the academic and research communities. The event also featured discussions on the first joint projects to be undertaken under this MOU, with a focus on leveraging the strengths of both organizations to achieve their common objectives.
This partnership highlights the critical role that collaboration between academia and international organizations plays in addressing global challenges. Through this MOU, UCANR and GFAiR reaffirm their commitment to fostering innovation, driving sustainable agricultural practices, and ensuring food security for future generations.
For more information about the MOU and upcoming initiatives, please visit UCANR and GFAiR.
Media Contact:
Katarína Spisiakova
Alliance Bioversity-CIAT
K.Spisiakova@cgiar.org
About UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR)
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources connects the power of UC research in agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, and youth development with local communities throughout California to improve the lives of all Californians. UCANR achieves its mission through the work of several hundred UC Cooperative Extension academics conducting research and extension on six UC campuses, nine Research and Extension Centers, and serving all 58 counties in the state.
About the Global Forum on Agricultural Research and Innovation (GFAiR)
The Global Forum on Agricultural Research and Innovation is a global multi-stakeholder platform with over a thousand institutional members spanning 13 constituencies. GFAiR aims to transform agrifood research and innovation systems to be more inclusive, sustainable, responsive, and equitable by connecting a wide array of partners to foster collaboration across local, national, regional, and international levels.