About Us

What is Bioversity International?

Bioversity International is a research-for-development organization working with partners worldwide to use and conserve agricultural and forest biodiversity for improved livelihoods, nutrition, sustainability and productive and resilient ecosystems.

Bioversity is working towards a world in which smallholder farming communities in developing countries of Africa, Asia and the Americas are thriving and sustainable. We focus on rain-fed farming systems, primarily managed by smallholder farmers, in areas where large-scale agriculture is not a viable option. Our research influences policy decisions and investment in agricultural research, from the local level to the global level.

Bioversity International is a member of the CGIAR Consortium, a global partnership that unites organizations engaged in research for a food secure future. We are a key partner in ten of the 16 CGIAR Research Programs. 

Bioversity International's headquarters are near Rome, Italy, along with Rome-based UN food agencies Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and World Food Programme (WFP).  We have regional offices in Colombia, Kenya and Malaysia. and have more than 300 staff and scientists worldwide, working with almost 700 partners.

Main funders

Donors include around 30 governments (from both developed and developing countries), the World Bank, the European Union, the United Nations Environment Programme, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, major private philanthropic foundations, such as the Christensen Fund, McKnight Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and also corporate bodies, such as Mars Inc, and Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. [Read more and find out how you can support us]

History

Bioversity International was originally established by the CGIAR as the International Board for Plant Genetic Resources (IBPGR) in 1974. In October 1991, IBPGR became the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) and in 1994 IPGRI began independent operation as one of the centers of the CGIAR.

[Read more about our history]