In its second online event, the Borlaug Global Rust Initiative will present a series of reflections on what it means to deliver genetic gain in wheat to farmers and ways to improve the future impact of wheat research.

Keynote: “Impact of the Durable Rust Resistance in Wheat (DRRW) / and Delivering Genetic Gain in Wheat (DGGW) Projects: 12 Years of Research and Variety Adoption,” by Ronnie Coffman, BGRI vice-chair.

Videos: Wheat farmers in the UK, Kenya, Ethiopia, Nepal, India and Mexico discuss challenges they face.

Panel Discussion: Moderated by Maricelis Acevedo, associate director of science for the DGGW with BGRI wheat experts Hans Braun (CIMMYT/Mexico), Dr. Bedada Girma (EIAR/Ethiopia), Anne Gichangi (KALRO/Kenya), Vijay Vijayaraghaven (Sathguru/India), Bill Angus (Angus Wheat/UK) and Chhavi Tiwari (Harvest Plus and Banaras Hindu University/India) discuss evolving partnerships and ways to improve access to new technologies and improved wheat varieties.

“Over the last 12 years, wheat researchers have learned that it is not enough to just ‘take it to the farmer’,” said Maricelis Acevedo, “For agricultural innovations to make it the last mile into farmers’ fields, we have learned to talk to the farmers, listen to the farmers, and work directly with the farmers. We are leveraging public-private partnerships, and tracking and exchanging germplasm across international boundaries in the ongoing fight to protect the world’s wheat.”

Join the BGRI in this interactive webinar as we explore initiatives to help wheat researchers and farmers deliver on the promise of greater food security and nutrition.