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IRRI is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2010. Over 50 years, IRRI’s high-yielding rice varieties have helped significantly increase world rice production, especially in Asia, saving millions from famine while protecting the environment and training thousands of researchers. IRRI’s 50th comes as Asian and world food security face unprecedented challenges, but it also comes at a revolutionary time for rice research. The sequencing of the rice genome is providing researchers with new knowledge that is allowing them to attack many old problems with new solutions. Major events already held commemorating the anniversary, include - The launch of IRRI’s 50th anniversary, 17 November 2009, at IRRI in Los Baños, Philippines.
- The 6th International Rice Genetics Symposium, 16-19 November 2009, in Manila, Philippines (view press release).
- Celebration of the signing of the agreement establishing IRRI, 10 December 2009, in Manila, Philippines.
- IRRI Fiesta for staff and families, 13 December 2009, at headquarters in Los Baños, Philippines.
- Tree planting symbolizes the Korea-IRRI partnership, 14 April 2010
- IRRI commemorative stamps are issued by Philippine Postal Corporation, 14 April 2010; view stamps
- Historical markers unveiled at IRRI's Philippine headquarters, 14 April 2010
- Plaques unveiled to recognize 333 early IRRI pioneers, 14 April 2010
- IRRI fireworks over the rice plots, 14 April 2010
- Long-Term Continuous Cropping Experiment (LTCCE) ceremonial harvest, 19 April 2010
- Serapio 'Mario' San Felipe: outstanding farmer returns to IRRI, 23 April 2010; see Rice Today story about him
- Boodle lunch for all IRRI staff and alumni, 23 April 2010
- Montage of IRRI's 50th anniversary homecoming activities, 18-24 April 2010
Events still planned for the anniversary, include - The 3rd International Rice Congress (IRC 2010) , 8-12 November 2010, Hanoi, Vietnam. The IRC2010, the world's largest gathering of the rice industry, has the theme Rice for Future Generations, and will include the 28th International Rice Research Conference, 3rd World Rice Commerce Conference, 3rd International Rice Technology and Cultural Expo, and other 50th anniversary activities of IRRI.
- Other events are expected to be held around Asia in 2010 as each rice-producing nation celebrates its research and production achievements.
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