Company Profile
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
Company Overview
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growing environment for future generations. Headquartered in the Philippines and with offices in 17 countries, IRRI is a global, independent, nonprofit research and training institute supported by public and private donors.
IRRI breeds and introduces advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests, disease, as well as flooding, drought, and other negative effects of climate change. The rice institute develops new and improved methods and technologies that enable farmers to manage their farms profitably and sustainably. IRRI recommends rice varieties and agricultural practices suitable to particular farm conditions as well as consumer preferences. Finally, IRRI assists national agriculture research and extension systems (NARES) in formulating and implementing national rice sector strategies and programs.
IRRI is also the lead center on the CGIAR Research Program on Rice. In addition, the Institute is a member of the following CGIAR Research Programs:
CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health
CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems
CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS)
Company History
IRRI has had a long and lustrous history that spans some 54 years. Since its inception, IRRI has provided a home to innovative scientists who had made it their lives' work to reduce poverty through rice research. Significant advancements in rice science and technologies would not have been possible had it not been for IRRI's commitment.
9 June 1959
Rockefeller and Ford Foundation representatives discuss the feasibility of establishing IRRI and its possible location at the University of the Philippines College of Agriculture, later to become the University of the Philippines at Los Baños (UPLB).
16 September 1959
The Philippine cabinet accepts an offer by the Ford and Rockefeller Foundations to build a center for study of the rice plant "with a view to increasing production per unit area, both in quality and quantity."
27 September 1959
Robert F. Chandler, Jr., arrives as IRRI’s first director general.
9 December 1959
A Memorandum of Understanding is signed in New York that establishes IRRI “as an organization to do basic research on the rice plant and applied research on all phases of rice production, management, distribution and utilization.”
8 March 1960
IRRI’s Articles of Incorporation are approved by the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission.
13 April 1960
The IRRI Board of Trustees gets together for the first time, chaired by J. George Harrar to kick off a 3-day meeting.
14 April 1960
IRRI is officially organized as the bylaws are adopted and approved in Manila, Philippines.
15 April 1960
The IRRI Program Committee meets for the first time.
Notable Accomplishments / Recognition
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growing environment for future generations.
IRRI breeds and introduces advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests, disease, as well as flooding, drought, and other negative effects of climate change. The rice institute develops new and improved methods and technologies that enable farmers to manage their farms profitably and sustainably. IRRI recommends rice varieties and agricultural practices suitable to particular farm conditions as well as consumer preferences. Finally, IRRI assists national agriculture research and extension systems (NARES) in formulating and implementing national rice sector strategies and programs.