INTERNATIONAL STAKEHOLDERS OF THE G20 WHEAT INITIATIVE MEET IN ISTANBUL

(Berlin, October 9th) On September 18th – 20th the Wheat Initiative (WI) held its Jamboree meeting, where international stakeholders of all three WI committees participated. The meeting was held in Istanbul, Türkiye with strong support of the Turkish General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies (TAGEM) and the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce.

Representatives of member countries and research organizations, WI Scientific Board, industry representatives and Chairs and Co-Chairs of the eleven Expert Working Groups, met to discuss advances, as well as gaps, in wheat research and  the contribution of the WI in supporting the Wheat Research Community.

More than 40 representatives participated, connected and presented updates on their activities. There was also an opportunity to assess the latest developments on wheat research and discuss research priorities for the next phase.

Dr. İrfan ÖZTÜRK, representative of TAGEM in the meeting, commented:

“Climate change is a major concern for all wheat producing countries. The Wheat Initiative plays an important role in ensuring collaboration between member countries and helping them address this challenge. These important issues were discussed, and decisions made at the Istanbul Jamboree meeting.”

Teagasc's support in organizing an evaluation session of the work carried out by the WI helped participants reflect on what has been achieved to date and the way forward. Feedback from participants was key to set the basis of this analysis, which will continue in the months to come.

Professor Peter Langridge, Chair of the WI Scientific Board said:

“The jamboree provided an opportunity to evaluate the work and impact of the Wheat Initiative and map the path for the next five years.  It was impressive to see how much has been achieved and the continuing active and enthusiastic engagement from wheat researchers and funding agencies.”

The WI – established in 2011 to support and coordinate the international exchange of ideas, resources and capacities to enhance the sustainable production of high-quality wheat to support global food security - will continue to provide and maintain a network of highly active experts to tackle the threats to the G20 goal of achieving global food security.

For media inquiries, please contact: WHEAT INITIATIVE (wheatinitiative@julius-kuehn.de)

Programme Manager: Teresa Saavedra

Web: www.wheatinitiative.org

X: @WheatInitiative