Upload File

vfrc blueprint introduction

1
• The industry’s response has focused on optimizing production and using highly mechanized application methods (attractive to intensive agriculture in the world's developed regions) for current fertilizers (which are largely unchanged since the 1980s). However, these fertilizers and application techniques are not as effective in the developing regions. 3. Next Generation Fertilizer Technology Priorities The following technological priorities will guide the development and commercialization of the next generation of intelligent fertilizers that must be more fail- safe, adaptive, eco-sensitive and economical: • Focus on N and P; improve nitrogen use efficiency by 25-50 percent. • Reduce the risk of crop failure for smallholder farmers. • Increase the convenience and accuracy of delivering secondary nutrients and micronutrients. • Improve or find alternatives to current sourcing and delivery processes that reduce cost, increase self- reliance and lessen environmental impact. 4. VFRC – Purpose and Organization The VFRC is an innovative initiative established by IFDC specifically to advance and commercialize the technology development priorities for the next generation of fertilizers: • The VFRC will create the environment and platform in which these fertilizer products and processes will be developed through global research efforts (including partnerships between scientists, governments and businesses) working on a common technology agenda. The VFRC will serve as catalyst, change-agent, stimulator and initiator. It will serve as a coordinator and intermediary among partners to ensure that efficient, consistent and persistent processes move through the technology agenda. Following sudden and significant global price hikes in food, fuel and fertilizer in 2007-2008, the IFDC Board of Directors met in early 2009 to discuss the challenges involved in ensuring "responsible, sustainable food security" for the world over the coming decades. In particular, there were three areas of greatest concern in the discussion about food security: the still sizable malnourished population (primarily smallholder farmers and their families in developing regions); the substantial increase projected for global food demand and subsequent higher prices, also primarily in developing regions; and the role of synthetic fertilizers in food security (over 75 percent of global fertilizer consumption is in developing regions). These fertilizers remain essentially and technically unchanged since their launch during the "Green Revolution," but now are being used in an era of scarcer arable land and water, uncertain climatic conditions and heightened environmental and economic sensitivity. In 2010, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) provided financial support for IFDC to develop a 'proof of concept' to study these areas in greater depth and to identify opportunities for the application of technological advances. IFDC’s proof of concept resulted in the Virtual Fertilizer Research Center (VFRC), which was launched in May 2010. The VFRC is helping develop a new generation of 'intelligent' fertilizers to enable responsible, sustainable food security, particularly in the world’s developing regions. This document provides the essence of IFDC’s findings and the underpinnings for the VFRC in four chapters: 1. Food Demand and Smallholder Farms Commercial smallholder farmers play a vital role in the overall food supply chain in developing countries. These farmers’ roles will be even more critical as these countries prepare for the significant growth in food demand expected from continued population growth, urbanization and economic development. While global food demand is projected to increase by 70 percent, the vast majority of this increase is expected to occur in the developing regions, which could face a food demand increase approaching 90 percent by 2050. Accordingly: • Commercial smallholder farmers must more fully adopt intensive farming practices (including agricultural best practices and the judicious use of fertilizers) to help achieve the yield increase required in the future (around 1.5 percent per year). • In addition, these farmers will need targeted policy interventions by their governments to overcome the economic and infrastructural challenges they face to access needed supplies and land, improve agricultural productivity and participate more fully in post-harvest markets. 2. Current Fertilizers – Challenges and Opportunities Due to increasing land and water scarcity, intensive farming (including the proper use of synthetic fertilizers) and improved supply chain infrastructures must help deliver the nearly 90 percent increase projected in developing regions' food demands. Additionally, these fertilizers must meet the special needs of commercial smallholder farmers who will continue to play a key role in future food supply chains. However: • Current synthetic fertilizers are often not accessible nor affordable for smallholder farmers in developing countries, and the most commonly used fertilizers – nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) – have physical characteristics that lead to substantial economic waste and adverse environmental impact. “Farmers are paying way too much for fertilizer products because we are transporting millions of tons of material that is not nutrient and because much of the nutrients in applied fertilizers are never used by the crop. Nutrient losses to the environment are high with consequences for global warming and water pollution. “Work should begin now on the next generation of fertilizer products using advanced techniques such as nanotechnology and molecular biology, especially in conjunction with plant genetics research. 'Smart' fertilizer products that will release nutrients only at the time and in the amount needed should be developed.” (August 2008) Dr. Norman Borlaug Nobel Peace Prize Recipient IFDC Board of Directors (1994-2003) Introduction IFDC-trained fertilizer dealers in Kabul, Afghanistan. 2 3

Upload: ifdc

Post on 07-Mar-2016

215 views

Category:

Documents


1 download

Report

DESCRIPTION

VFRC Blueprint Introduction

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: VFRC Blueprint Introduction

• Theindustry’sresponsehasfocusedonoptimizingproductionandusinghighlymechanizedapplicationmethods(attractivetointensiveagricultureintheworld'sdevelopedregions)forcurrentfertilizers(whicharelargelyunchangedsincethe1980s).However,thesefertilizersandapplicationtechniquesarenotaseffectiveinthedevelopingregions.

3. Next Generation Fertilizer Technology PrioritiesThefollowingtechnologicalprioritieswillguidethedevelopmentandcommercializationofthenextgenerationofintelligentfertilizersthatmustbemorefail-safe,adaptive,eco-sensitiveandeconomical:

• FocusonNandP;improvenitrogenuseefficiencyby25-50percent.

• Reducetheriskofcropfailureforsmallholderfarmers.

• Increasetheconvenienceandaccuracyofdeliveringsecondarynutrientsandmicronutrients.

• Improveorfindalternativestocurrentsourcinganddeliveryprocessesthatreducecost,increaseself-relianceandlessenenvironmentalimpact.

4. VFRC – Purpose and OrganizationTheVFRCisaninnovativeinitiativeestablishedbyIFDCspecificallytoadvanceandcommercializethetechnologydevelopmentprioritiesforthenextgenerationoffertilizers:

• TheVFRCwillcreatetheenvironmentandplatforminwhichthesefertilizerproductsandprocesseswillbedevelopedthroughglobalresearchefforts(includingpartnershipsbetweenscientists,governmentsandbusinesses)workingonacommontechnologyagenda.TheVFRCwillserveascatalyst,change-agent,stimulatorandinitiator.Itwillserveasacoordinatorandintermediaryamongpartnerstoensurethatefficient,consistentandpersistentprocessesmovethroughthetechnologyagenda.Followingsuddenandsignificantglobalpricehikesinfood,

fuelandfertilizerin2007-2008,theIFDCBoardofDirectorsmetinearly2009todiscussthechallengesinvolvedinensuring"responsible,sustainablefoodsecurity"fortheworldoverthecomingdecades.

Inparticular,therewerethreeareasofgreatestconcerninthediscussionaboutfoodsecurity:thestillsizablemalnourishedpopulation(primarilysmallholderfarmersandtheirfamiliesindevelopingregions);thesubstantialincreaseprojectedforglobalfooddemandandsubsequenthigherprices,alsoprimarilyindevelopingregions;andtheroleofsyntheticfertilizersinfoodsecurity(over75percentofglobalfertilizerconsumptionisindevelopingregions).Thesefertilizersremainessentiallyandtechnicallyunchangedsincetheirlaunchduringthe"GreenRevolution,"butnowarebeingusedinaneraofscarcerarablelandandwater,uncertainclimaticconditionsandheightenedenvironmentalandeconomicsensitivity.

In2010,theU.S.AgencyforInternationalDevelopment(USAID)providedfinancialsupportforIFDCtodevelopa'proofofconcept'tostudytheseareasingreaterdepthandtoidentifyopportunitiesfortheapplicationoftechnologicaladvances.

IFDC’sproofofconceptresultedintheVirtualFertilizerResearchCenter(VFRC),whichwaslaunchedinMay2010.TheVFRCishelpingdevelopanewgenerationof'intelligent'fertilizerstoenableresponsible,sustainablefoodsecurity,particularlyintheworld’sdevelopingregions.

ThisdocumentprovidestheessenceofIFDC’sfindingsandtheunderpinningsfortheVFRCinfourchapters:

1. Food Demand and Smallholder FarmsCommercialsmallholderfarmersplayavitalroleintheoverallfoodsupplychainindevelopingcountries.These

farmers’roleswillbeevenmorecriticalasthesecountriesprepareforthesignificantgrowthinfooddemandexpectedfromcontinuedpopulationgrowth,urbanizationandeconomicdevelopment.Whileglobalfooddemandisprojectedtoincreaseby70percent,thevastmajorityofthisincreaseisexpectedtooccurinthedevelopingregions,whichcouldfaceafooddemandincreaseapproaching90percentby2050.Accordingly:

• Commercialsmallholderfarmersmustmorefullyadoptintensivefarmingpractices(includingagriculturalbestpracticesandthejudicioususeoffertilizers)tohelpachievetheyieldincreaserequiredinthefuture(around1.5percentperyear).

• Inaddition,thesefarmerswillneedtargetedpolicyinterventionsbytheirgovernmentstoovercometheeconomicandinfrastructuralchallengestheyfacetoaccessneededsuppliesandland,improveagriculturalproductivityandparticipatemorefullyinpost-harvestmarkets.

2. Current Fertilizers – Challenges and OpportunitiesDuetoincreasinglandandwaterscarcity,intensivefarming(includingtheproperuseofsyntheticfertilizers)andimprovedsupplychaininfrastructuresmusthelpdeliverthenearly90percentincreaseprojectedindevelopingregions'fooddemands.Additionally,thesefertilizersmustmeetthespecialneedsofcommercialsmallholderfarmerswhowillcontinuetoplayakeyroleinfuturefoodsupplychains.However:

• Currentsyntheticfertilizersareoftennotaccessiblenoraffordableforsmallholderfarmersindevelopingcountries,andthemostcommonlyusedfertilizers–nitrogen(N)andphosphorus(P)–havephysicalcharacteristicsthatleadtosubstantialeconomicwasteandadverseenvironmentalimpact.

“Farmers are paying way too much for fertilizer products because we are transporting millions of tons of material that is not nutrient and because much of the nutrients in applied fertilizers are never used by the crop. Nutrient losses to the environment are high with consequences for global warming and water pollution.

“Work should begin now on the next generation of fertilizer products using advanced techniques such as nanotechnology and molecular biology, especially in conjunction with plant genetics research. 'Smart' fertilizer products that will release nutrients only at the time and in the amount needed should be developed.” (August 2008) Dr. Norman Borlaug

Nobel Peace Prize RecipientIFDC Board of Directors (1994-2003)

Introduction

IFDC-trainedfertilizerdealersinKabul,Afghanistan.

2 3

Blueprint of life - Login Department of Educationlrr.cli.det.nsw.edu.au/legacy/Science/43205_P1_lo.pdf · 2 Blueprint of life Introduction Popular culture often depicts the process

Performance Measure Blueprint Online Programperformancemeasureblueprintonline.com/downloads/PMBOWorkboo… · Performance Measure Blueprint Online Program . Introduction: Performance

BLUEPRINT - WGSI.orgwgsi.org/sites/.../files/Equinox_Blueprint_Energy... · EQUINOX BLUEPRINT: ENERGY 2030. INTRODUCTION. PAGE 9. BLUEPRINT STRUCTURE . The Equinox Blueprint contains

ICE Project Overview Introduction to Business Blueprint & Process Definition

J2EE Blueprint Chapter One ： Introduction Chin-Yi Tsai

TORNIER BLUEPRINT · SCAN PROTOCOL 3 Introduction to the BLUEPRINT CT Protocol This document describes the guidelines for a Shoulder CT-Scan to be processed by the BLUEPRINT 3D Planning

The Accountability Blueprint · 2018. 8. 21. · INTRODUCTION This E-book contains a simple framework – an accountability blueprint – that encompasses everything from managing

Blueprint for Academic Excellence€¦ · 02/03/2018  · Blueprint for Academic Excellence Palmetto College AY2019-2020 Introduction Palmetto College represents the University's

Residential Construction Blueprint Reading...Residential Construction Blueprint Reading This class is an introduction to blueprint reading. Participants will be able to interpret common

Blueprint for a Queensland Language Services Provider · Blueprint for a Queensland Language Services Provider Introduction The Queensland Government has expressed its commitment

Blueprint For A Lasting Marriage Bible Studyspiritualforcesministry.org/pdf/Blueprint_Couples_Bible_Study_8x11.pdf · 1 Blueprint For A Lasting Marriage Bible Study INTRODUCTION I

Kansas Essential Elements Blueprint/Selection Record · ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS BLUEPRINT/SELECTION DATA. Kansas State Department of Education | 1. Introduction. In this document, the

Vermont Blueprint for Health Manual · Vermont Blueprint for Health Manual Page 4 of 69 1. Introduction to Blueprint for Health Manual 1.1. Intent The Blueprint is a state-led program

Blueprint Columbus Workforce Development Program...Blueprint Columbus Workforce Development Program . 2 TEAM 01 INTRODUCTION 02 . PROJECT BACKGROUND. 04 . TECHNICAL TRAINING . 05

2014-15 Budget Blueprint Part I: Introduction 2 2014-15 Budget Blueprint Introduction After a decade of two massive economic crises, California’s Budget

CE 303: Introduction to Construction Blueprint Lab

BLUEPRINT 2020 – DECEMBER 2016 REPORT · BLUEPRINT 2020 – SERVING CANADIANS WITH EXCELLENCE 2 BLUEPRINT 2020 – DECEMBER 2016 REPORT Introduction I am pleased to submit my first

CooksCourse.com Blueprint Structure Introduction to Cooking … · 2020-03-03 · 3 CooksCourse.com Blueprint Structure Unit 1 – CooksCourse.com Introduction Total Number of Lessons

Genetics and Heredity: The Blueprint of Life · Genetics and Heredity: The Blueprint of Life INTRODUCTION TO THE AIMS TEACHING MODULE (ATM) Rationale

CE 303: Construction Methodology - University of Kentuckymmuddi2/Blueprint Lecture… · PPT file · Web view · 2011-04-11CE 303: Introduction to Construction Blueprint Lab Objectives

VFRC Brochure

Release Highlights for BluePrint-PCB Product Version 3 · Release Highlights for BluePrint-PCB Product Version 3.0 Introduction BluePrint V3.0 Build 571 is a rolling release, containing

Blueprint for Academic Excellence · Blueprint for Academic Excellence University Libraries AY2019-2020 Introduction ... and recruiting, hiring and training individuals capable of

Introduction to Cloud Security Blueprint 2 · INTRODUCTION TO CLOUD SECURITY BLUEPRINT 2.0 | 4 At the same time, however, Gartner’s Security of the Cloud Primer for 2019 states

HfS Blueprint Report · 2018-07-05 · Introduction to the 2016 HfS Blueprint Report: Mortgage As-a-Service n The Mortgage As-a-Service Blueprint for 2016 is an analysis of the business

Vermont Blueprint for Health Manual · Vermont Blueprint for Health Manual Page 4 of 59 1. Introduction to Blueprint for Health Manual 1.1. Intent The Blueprint is a state‐led program

1 CE 303: Introduction to Construction Blueprint Lab

Aircraft Drawing and Blueprint Reading - Quia · Aircraft Drawing and Blueprint Reading. Course Introduction • Types of drawings – Engineering – also known as production or

ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY BLUEPRINT I. INTRODUCTION

introduction to lean launch blueprint week #1

HfS Blueprint Report - accenture.com · Introduction to the 2016 HfS Blueprint Report: ... • Appraisal and other Risk Reviews Servicing ... Cognizant, TCS, Wipro

Vermont Blueprint for Health 2015 Annual Report · Vermont Blueprint for Health in 2015 1 INTRODUCTION The Vermont Blueprint for Health (the Blueprint) is a state-led, nationally-recognized

A Blueprint for Lancashire. Introduction and Welcome Helen Harrison; Chair

COACHING BLUEPRINT - s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com · Introduction 05 Netball Australia Coaching Blueprint 06 Coach Development Objectives 10 Implementation Drivers 12 The Netball

Greater Boston Workforce Planning Blueprint Boston Workforce Planning Blueprint i Contents Introduction 1 Where are we now? 3