DG updates Institute on budget situation and its implications for Strategic Plan/MTP [continued]

According to Dr. Zeigler, IRRI is still viewed very well by donors. “They really appreciate the poverty slant and the focus on Africa in our new Strategic Plan and they like our climate change proposal,” he said. “The Swiss particularly see us as a ‘bedrock’ institute. IFAD will particularly be happy to support some of our efforts in Africa. And our three frontier projects have really excited the donors and the CG Science Council.”

The Gates Foundation will be committing some $300 million to agriculture worldwide in the near future. “The Gates Foundation has indeed heard of IRRI and there is no reason why we cannot attract some of the Foundation’s endowment with our global rice agenda,” said Dr. Zeigler.
 
Dr. Zeigler and DDG-R Ren Wang also announced that a Business Plan is being put in place for BOT approval next week in New Delhi. The engine that drives the Strategic Plan/MTP, the Business Plan’s 13 sections include revitalizing the research matrix, quality assurance including ISO certification in some critical areas, risk assessment, staff development, financial management and resource mobilization, and internal communication.

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