What next for Australian agronomy abroad?
With much remaining to be done in improving agricultural production in the developing world, both as a direct source of food and improved livelihood for the rural poor, and as a catalyst for economic development and in some cases political stability, there is a need for the development of new partnerships and strengthening of existing partnerships to achieve these goals. Australia can play a significant role in these developments. Strengthening the CGIAR system is one important task in which Australia and Australians can play an important role. Increasing collaboration between national and international research partners, from the developed and developing world is another activity in which Australia can and should participate, through continued and expanded financial support, the implementation of projects in partnerships, the training of agricultural graduates, postgraduates, and postdocs, and perhaps through increased secondments from and to Australian institutions. While building on
