Bioversity International

Bioversity is a world leading research-for-development non-profit organization, working towards a world in which smallholder farming communities in developing countries are thriving and sustainable. Bioversity International is the operating name of the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) and the International Network for the Improvement of Banana and Plantain (INIBAP). Our vision and purpose underpin our commitment to play a vital role in addressing the pressing global challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty and environmental degradation. We have approximately 350 staff operating around the world, and work with partners in over 100 countries worldwide. In addition, we host some system-wide activities on behalf of the CGIAR. Main funders Donors include around 30 governments (from both developed and developing countries), the World Bank, the European Union, the United Nations Environment Programme, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, major private philanthropic foundations, such as the Christensen Fund, McKnight Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and also corporate bodies, such as Mars Inc, and Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc..   Our Main Areas of Work Bioversity's purpose is to investigate the conservation and use of agricultural biodiversity in order to achieve better nutrition, improve smallholders’ livelihoods and enhance agricultural sustainability.   Research Bioversity maintains its historical commitment to the conservation of agricultural biodiversity, so that the diversity is available for use. Research to improve conservation and use is an essential component of this work. Research at Bioversity focuses on: Improved Nutrition - Bioversity International's nutrition programme will promote the use of agricultural biodiversity within food production systems by working with smallholder farmers, and will show that by diversifying diets, using local and traditional foods, it can be a sustainable tool to address malnutrition in developing countries. Sustainable Agriculture - The work of Bioversity International supports all three aspects through projects that: - Assess and promote ex situ and in situ crop diversity  - Investigate and integrate market forces - Support participatory plant breeding and cultural/dietary diversity. Conservation - One of Bioversity’s key research priorities is to promote the conservation, exchange and sustainable use of plant genetic resources. Bioversity works to understand how diversity can directly deliver the improved food security people need. Other research centres, with whom we work closely, are using the diversity inherent in crops and livestock indirectly, as a source of traits to breed into improved new varieties and livestock breeds.