The CGIAR Research Program (CRP) on rice agri-food systems (RICE, 2017-2022) is the second phase of the CRP on rice (2011-2016), which was also known as the Global Rice Science Partnership. While RICE continues to invest in its core strengths of genetic improvement and natural resources management, it will expand its scope to cover rice value chains from producer to consumer and diversified farming systems.
Responding to changes brought about by structural transformations in the rice sector, it will facilitate the transition of smallholder rice farmers to modern business entrepreneurship by exploiting opportunities offered by market diversification and the emergence of a stronger consumer demand for quality and nutritious rice products. At the same time, it will assist poor farmers in hinterlands and less-endowed environments to cope with extreme stresses and the effects of climate change and other shocks. In doing so, RICE will be at the cutting edge of science and will mobilize modern technological breakthroughs such as those offered by biotechnology, ICT, and Big Data. RICE will harness 600 research and development partners from both the public and private sector to deliver measurable impacts on the overall goals of the CGIAR: reduced poverty, improved food and nutrition security, and improved natural resources and ecosystem services.