Biotech Updates

Australia to Strengthen Iraqi Agricultural Sector

September 26, 2008

The Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs Stephen Miller met with Iraqi Foreign Minister Zebari to strengthen agricultural management in Iraq. Through the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) in partnership with AusAID, Australia will provide $4.7 million for agricultural research and development for three years. Australia will encourage farmers in northern Iraq to adopt conservation cropping methods as well as provide expertise to develop low-cost, high-yield farm management systems that decrease soil erosion, and introduce new crop varieties and machinery for Iraqi farmers.

Since 2005, Australian scientists have been in capacity-building linkages between Iraqi scientists. This new project will then provide training for more than 90 Iraqi scientists.

View press release at: http://www.ausaid.gov.au/media/release.cfm?BC=Media&ID=5297_3636_9339_2078_5241