The FAO international technical conference on Agricultural biotechnologies in developing countries: Options and opportunities in crops, forestry, livestock, fisheries and agro-industry to face the challenges of food insecurity and climate change (ABDC-10) takes place in Guadalajara, Mexico on 1-4 March 2010. Impetus for the conference comes from the need for concrete steps to be taken to move beyond the “business-as-usual” approach and to respond to the growing food insecurity in developing countries, particularly in light of climate change that will worsen the living conditions of farmers, fishers and forest-dependent people who are already vulnerable and food insecure. The recent increases in food prices have had dramatic consequences globally. Participation at the conference is by invitation only.

Monday 01 March 2010 - Thursday 04 March 2010

In an effort to build on growing interest in the Kyoto Protocol’s clean development mechanism (CDM) in Africa, partner UN agencies and the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA) have announced they will organize a second all-Africa Carbon Forum. This forum will include a conference, trade fair and capacity development to demonstrate the potential for CDM projects in Africa. The forum is being organized by the UNFCCC Secretariat, the UNEP, the UNDP, the WB, the UNCTAD, the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA).

Wednesday 03 March 2010 - Friday 05 March 2010

The African Carbon Forum is a trade fair and knowledge sharing platform for carbon investments in the region by bringing together representatives from designated national authorities (DNA), national focal points, representatives from several UN agencies, governments and the private sector. It includes matchmaking and deal facilitation sessions that will enable potential CDM project participants and developers to showcase their projects to interested parties, including investors and carbon buyers. The Nairobi Framework partners are organizing the second all-Africa Carbon Forum at the United Nations Gigiri Componds in Nairobi, Kenya, from 3–5 March 2010.

Wednesday 03 March 2010 - Friday 05 March 2010

The international conference on Agro-Biotechnology, Biosafety and Seed Systems in Developing Countries (AGBIOSEED 2010) will focus on ‘Tapping Agro-biotech potential for improved seed production and utilization’. In addition to the main theme, the participants will have an opportunity to listen to experiences in the fields of modern agricultural biotechnology advancements and socio-economic transformations from Europe, Africa, USA, Asia and Latin America in these regions. Papers for presentation on any of the topics covered by the Conference are now invited.

Monday 08 March 2010 - Thursday 11 March 2010

Africa Rice Congress 2010 will have as its main theme: ‘Innovation and partnerships to realize Africa’s rice potential’. The Congress will bring together representatives from the public and private sector, civil society organizations, farmer associations and research and extension communities engaged in the development of Africa’s rice sector. The Congress will take stock of advances in rice science and technology aimed at enhancing rice productivity in farmers’ fields, while protecting environmental services and coping with climate change. The Congress will also provide opportunity to discuss institutional innovations, policies and key investments needed to significantly increase rice production in sub-Saharan Africa, develop competitive and equitable rice value chains, reduce imports and enhance regional trade.

Monday 22 March 2010 - Friday 26 March 2010

AGRINATURA, together with AGROPOLIS, ICA and CTA will organise in Montpellier, prior (and back to back) to the GCARD 2010, on 26th – 27th March 2010, an international workshop specifically oriented towards the new and on-going Challenges & Innovative Processes for Capacity Strengthening In Agriculture for Development (CIPCAD 2010). It aims to address global ARD challenges through capacity development and training support and to identify mechanisms for international collaborations in training and education. Some of the issues discussed during the workshop will be reported during the GCARD itself, on March 30th 2010 afternoon.

Friday 26 March 2010 - Saturday 27 March 2010

The Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development (GCARD) 2010 being held in Montpellier, France from 28-31 March 2010 will provide a global action plan and strategy for improving agricultural research in order to make maximum impact on development, especially of the poor. This plan and strategy will be developed on the basis of a global framework of agricultural research needs and priorities, which will be established through consultations with representatives from a wide range of agricultural research stakeholders around the world. The aim of GCARD is to develop a new global agricultural research system, driven by tangible development outcomes and bringing together all those involved in agriculture research for development (AR4D). The objectives of GCARD are to ensure that: Agricultural research outputs are accessible and relevant to the poor in developing countries Research focuses on the right questions and is driven by the development needs of the resource-poor Knowledge generation through scientific research is embedded in development thinking and practice Funding systems are aligned between research and development Effective innovation pathways are developed between diverse stakeholders International agricultural research systems are effectively integrated with regional and national partners (NARS, public, private and civil) and respond to national and sub-regional demands to help ensure development impact.

Sunday 28 March 2010 - Wednesday 31 March 2010

Some 1,000 World Food Prize Laureates, ministers, farmers, community development organizations, leading scientists and innovators will gather in Montpellier, France from 28-31 March 2010 for the first Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development (GCARD). The G8 called for this meeting to identify research priorities and required actions to improve agriculture and outline research priorities. GCARD will seek to strengthen and harness the use of agricultural research to meet the global food requirements for a growing population in an environmentally sustainable process. For more information visit the website.

Sunday 28 March 2010 - Wednesday 31 March 2010

The Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development (GCARD) 2010 being held in Montpellier, France from 28-31 March 2010 will provide a global action plan and strategy for improving agricultural research in order to make maximum impact on development, especially of the poor. This plan and strategy will be developed on the basis of a global framework of agricultural research needs and priorities, which will be established through consultations with representatives from a wide range of agricultural research stakeholders around the world. The Conference is expected to usher in change that will reshape agricultural research and innovation and improve resources for research. GCARD is being organized by the Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR) in collaboration with the Consortium and Independent Science and Partnership Council (now being formed) of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). The Conference will replace both the GFAR Triennial Conferences and the Annual General Meetings of the CGIAR.

Sunday 28 March 2010 - Wednesday 31 March 2010