International agricultural research: the next 25 years. On the occasion of CIMMYT's 25th anniversary 1966-1991

Abstract

On December 6, 1991, CIMMYT staff and distinguished guests gathered at EI Batan headquarters in Mexico to commemorate the 25th anniversary of CIMMYT's founding. Speakers, donor representatives, officials ofthe Mexican Government and its agricultural research community, members of our Board of Trustees, selected CIMMYT alumni, and other prominent visitors joined in a reaffirmation of commitment to opening options for the poor in developing countries by increasing the productivity of resources committed to maize and wheat while protecting natural resources. The centerpiece of the day-long commemoration was a morning symposium that took a thought-provoking look at the next 25 years of international agricultural research. Eminent speakers and discussants first addressed general global issues on the topic and later embraced more specific strategic issues for maize and wheat research as they relate to CIMMYT's mandate. The speakers provided clear messages on the inevitability of change and the critical interactions between productivity and the environment. The presentations contained in this commemorative monograph, beginning on page 1 in English and page 68 in Spanish, provide helpful guidance to CIMMYT and its stakeholders as we chart our course into the next quarter-century.