Los Baños, Philippines (9 June 2025) – The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) today unveiled its 2025–2030 Strategy, a bold vision to transform global rice-based food systems through inclusive science, deep partnerships, and coordinated action across public and private sectors.
Building on its 65-year research innovations, IRRI’s new strategy recognizes rice as a powerful lever for achieving climate resilience, nutrition security, rural prosperity, and sustainable ecosystems in Asia, Africa, and beyond, while charting a course to address urgent global priorities—from food price volatility and climate stress to the health and economic well-being of rice-dependent communities.
“Rice feeds more than half the world’s population, but its potential as a climate and development solution remains underleveraged,” said Dr. Yvonne Pinto, IRRI Director General. “This strategy shifts us from research as usual to a market-driven approach—one that’s responsive to today’s biggest challenges and accountable for real-world results.”
IRRI’s new strategy reflects IRRI’s evolution as a science-for-impact organization and outlines a progressive roadmap to achieve long-term impacts across key rice system challenges.
One of the countries IRRI is working with is the Philippines, the world’s 7th largest rice producer and top importer. By 2028, the Philippines seeks to reach 97.4 percent self-sufficiency in rice, according to the Philippine Rice Research Institute. IRRI is closely working with the Philippine Department of Agriculture, along with its attached agencies to co-develop and implement tailored mechanisms to accelerate innovation and strengthen partnerships to support food and nutrition security, enhance climate resilience, and improve the livelihoods of farmers.
It also emphasizes innovative funding and partnership models to ensure long-term sustainability, including commercialization pathways for lasting impact across rice systems. Key efforts include the ADB-CGIAR Clearinghouse Facility, in partnership with the Asian Development Bank and the Gates Foundation, to scale CGIAR innovations through the ADB’s loan portfolio. This initiative connects CGIAR expertise with ADB financial resources to drive food system transformation across Asia and foster collaborative learning for impactful results.
With its new strategy, IRRI is set to drive transformative change in global rice systems, leveraging these partnerships as part of a broader effort to create more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient rice farming futures.
“Our future depends on how we grow, consume, and govern rice,” said Dr. Pinto. “This strategy is our call to partners everywhere—let’s act together, with urgency and ambition, to ensure rice remains a force for good in a changing world.”
Please view the IRRI 2025-2030 Strategy here: https://65.irri.org