Professor Andrew Campbell, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), Media Release, 30 August 2021

We are pleased to announce that the ACIAR Annual Operational Plan for 2021–22 is now available. The plan sets out the context and objectives of our work program throughout the Indo-Pacific region for the year ahead. It describes how we will continue to build the partnerships, knowledge and capacity required to achieve more productive, sustainable and resilient agrifood systems in our region.

Our work is framed by rapid social, economic and political change within partner countries in increasingly variable and changing climates. However, the most significant shaper and disruptor of our operating environment continues to be the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of ACIAR to find solutions to agricultural problems of developing countries is as relevant now as it was in 1982, when ACIAR was established.

While primarily helping smallholder farmers, fishers and foresters in the Indo-Pacific region, our investment in agricultural innovation also benefits Australian rural industries and communities through the development of new technologies, protection from pests and diseases, and increased skills and knowledge of Australian researchers. Our work generates a very high return on public investment.

Agricultural innovation is a strategic national capability that the Australian Government, through ACIAR, mobilises to build international research partnerships to improve food security, food system resilience and livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the Indo-Pacific region, while growing the knowledge base for agricultural research-for-development. I have every confidence that our committed and skilled staff and partners in Australia and in our partner countries, will deliver this plan successfully.

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