CIMMYT is a non-profit research and training center headquartered in Mexico. Our mission is To sustainably increase the productivity of maize and wheat systems to ensure global food security and reduce poverty. CIMMYT works with and brings together public research and extension organizations, private companies, advanced research institutes, NGOs, and farmer associations in countries worldwide, working pragmatically and apolitically to fight hunger and poverty.
Hindered by high fuel costs, loss of land, a decrease in investment, and encroaching climate change, grain harvests worldwide have taken a hit. And while the resulting increase in food prices may inconvenience those in developed nations, it is detrimental to those in developing countries where half of one’s income is commonly spent on food.
CIMMYT is a non-profit research and training center dedicated to improving farmers’ livelihoods in developing countries and increasing global food security. With offices in Asia, Africa, and Latin American, CIMMYT maintains an extensive network of people and organizations who share similar development goals, including the public and private sector, non-governmental and civil society organizations, relief and health agencies, farmers, and the development assistance community.
To meet the demands of a growing population, developing countries will need to produce 368 million additional tons of maize and wheat by 2020. Through the use of cutting-edge science CIMMYT is developingand freely distributingbetter seed and cropping practices as well as utilizing and preserving genetic diversity. And, of vital importance, CIMMYT is committed to sharing its agriculture advances, such as stress tolerant maize and bio-fortified wheat, with the people who need them most.