Experts Tackle the World Food Crisis

    OTTAWA, May 12 /CNW Telbec/ - Two international experts on food and
agriculture will be in Ottawa at IDRC on May 13 to discuss the factors driving
escalating food prices. Leaders of Bioversity International and the
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) will address some of the forces
behind the crisis including growing demand for biofuels, climate change, the
energy crisis, population growth and changing consumption patterns. They will
also offer concrete ways to curb rising food prices through innovations from
agricultural research. Barry Wilson of the Western Producer will moderate the
discussion, organized by Canada's International Development Research Centre
(IDRC).

    Who:   Robert Zeigler, Director General, International Rice Research
           Institute (IRRI)
           Emile  Frison, Director General, Bioversity International,
           Representing the Alliance of CGIAR Centers

    Date:  Tuesday, May 13, 2008
    Time:  8:00-8:50 a.m.
    Where: 150 Kent (corner of Albert), 8th Floor

    A light breakfast will be served

    Bioversity International and the International Rice Research Institute
are two of the 15 centres that are supported by the Consultative Group on
International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), the largest alliance of
international agricultural research centres. Canada's International
Development Research Centre has been a key research partner of the centers
supported by the CGIAR, building on a rich history of joint endeavours
promoting sustainable growth and reducing poverty.

    The event is open to the media. The presentation will be given in English
but French simultaneous interpretation will be available. The questions/answer
period will be conducted in both English and French. Spaces are limited and
journalists are encouraged to register by contacting Isabelle Bourgeault-Tassé
at ibourgeault-tasse@idrc.ca or +1 613-236-6163.

    For more information, visit www.idrc.ca/foodsecurity or www.cgiar.org

    About the CGIAR

    The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) is
a strategic partnership of countries, international and regional organizations
and private foundations supporting the work of international agricultural
research centres.

    About IDRC

    Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is one of the
world's leading institutions in the generation and application of new
knowledge to meet the challenges of international development. For nearly
40 years, IDRC has worked in close collaboration with researchers from the
developing world to build healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous
societies.

For further information: Isabelle Bourgeault-Tassé, (613) 236-6163,
ibourgeault-tasse@idrc.ca; www.idrc.ca/foodsecurity; www.cgiar.org