World Development Report 2008: agriculture for development

FREE PUBLIC SEMINAR

Agriculture-led International Development: Lessons for Agriculture and Australia from the World Development Report 2008

Will agriculture and agricultural research and development (R&D) continue to play a critical role in future development, and what does this mean for Australian researchers and development workers?

ACIAR, in conjunction with the ATSE Crawford Fund and the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, is presenting a free public seminar on agriculture for development based on the World Development Report 2008: Agriculture for Development (MORE [1]). 

Friday, 8 February

4:15-5:30 pm

CSIRO Discovery Centre, Black Mountain Laboratories, Clunies Ross Street, Acton

Chair: Dr Denis Blight AO FRSA, Executive Director of the Crawford Fund, former Director General of CAB International and CEO of IDP Education Australia.

Speakers:

• Dr Derek Byerlee, Co-Director, World Bank's World Development Report, speaking on "Agriculture - the engine of growth for developing countries?"

Dr Byerlee, originally from a South Australian sheep/wheat farm, has worked in development for the last 25 years, most recently as Senior Adviser and Co-Director, WDR at the World Bank. He is visiting Canberra to present WDR2008 to the Australian Government.  

• Mr Peter Core, Director, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), speaking on "Australian Agricultural Research: a driver for change in our region"

Mr Peter Core heads ACIAR which is the Australian government body managing Australian funding and support for international agricultural research for development. A networking opportunity will follow with free refreshments available.

RSVP by 5 February (for catering purposes please) to:
Tony Fischer, 02 6246 5244 Tony.Fischer@csiro.au [2]
Cathy Reade, 07 54483095 or creade@squirrel.com.au [3]