Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research

The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) is an Australian Government statutory agency that forms part of the overseas aid program in the Foreign Affairs and Trade Portfolio, reporting to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. ACIAR was established under the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research Act 1982 (Cth),(the ACIAR Act), as amended, to identify agricultural problems in developing problems and brokers Australian agricultural scientists to find solutions.

The ACIAR's mission is to enhance the effects of Australia's exceptional agricultural science expertise by establishing and funding partnerships for agricultural research aimed at development in developing nations. This agency collaborates with both public and private research entities to boost the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural practices and to fortify the food systems' resilience across the Indo-Pacific partner countries.

By fostering sustainable economic growth, aiding in poverty alleviation, and bolstering regional stability, ACIAR serves Australia's national interests. It places a special emphasis on economic diplomacy and the economic empowerment of women. ACIAR's initiatives are in tight alignment with Australia's development assistance agenda, fostering research partnerships that not only focus on human capacity development and private sector-led growth but also aim at enhancing the quality of life through advancements in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.

ACIAR is guided by a 10-Year Strategy that focuses strongly on issues to improve food security and reduce poverty.

The ACIAR research portfolio encompasses:

• key agriculture sectors—crops, fisheries, forestry, horticulture and livestock
• science and disciplines supporting these sectors—agronomy, plant genetics, livestock production, agribusiness, social sciences, soil and land management, water, and climate
• assessment of results and outcomes to guide future investment—impact evaluation.

ACIAR aims to contribute to poverty reduction and improved regional security with partner countries in the Pacific, East and South-East Asia, South Asia and Eastern and Southern Africa.

ACIAR develops the foundational knowledge supporting six key development goals:

• Enhancing food security and reducing poverty
• Managing natural resources and addressing climate change
• Improving human health and nutrition
• Promoting gender equality and empowering women
• Fostering inclusive value chains
• Strengthening scientific and policy capabilities.

Around 65% of ACIAR research expenditure is implemented through bilateral arrangements between ACIAR and partner countries in the Indo-Pacific region.

ACIAR also manages Australia's investment in the international agricultural research system, chief among which is the CGIAR. ACIAR represents Australia on the CGIAR System Council, and Australians occupy a number of leadership positions across the CGIAR network.

To promote and support collaborative research initiatives that progress six strategic objectives, ACIAR also provides research support to other multilateral institutions, including:

• Pacific Community
• Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions
• World Vegetable Center
• Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases
• CABI
• International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe)

ACIAR develops and manages co-investment alliances and partnerships with like-minded organisations to foster and implement global research collaborations that support strategic development in agriculture, fisheries and forestry including the:

• International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
• Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture
• Crawford Fund

ACIAR supports the following initiatives through global research collaborations:

• CultiAF
• Food Loss Research Program
• Demand-led breeding

The head office for ACIAR is located at ACIAR House in Canberra, Australia.