A Growing Network

The Global Horticulture Initiative was launched by 74 participants representing 55 organizations on March 22-24, 2006 in Montpellier France, under the auspices of AVRDC - The World Vegetable Center, the Centre de cooperation internationale en recherche agronomique pour le developpement (CIRAD), and the International Society for Horticulture Science (ISHS). It will grow and show real impact on the lives of millions in the developing world as it evolves and is joined by researchers, specialists in capacity building, policy makers as well as donors willing to support its forward-looking ideas and strategies. The funds of the initiative will be used to promote research projects, sponsor workshops, organize training and other forms of capacity building, make available grants to scientists, and to invest in horticulture science information and communication technologies.

The global networking of all major players in horticultural research and development will bring considerable synergies to the initiative. An Executive Committee will be nominated, that may include members of the Global Forum for Agricultural Research (GFAR), the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), the Future Harvest Alliance of the CGIAR, the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA), and the private sector.

The Executive Committee will work with the Global Horticulture Initiative Council and Regional Advisory Groups to establish inclusive, interdisciplinary and international partnerships that will harmonize worldwide efforts in horticultural research and development.