Italy

Italy became a member of the CGIAR in 1974, although its involvement predates its formal membership. It was in the town of Bellagio that a series of meetings beginning in April 1969 led to the establishment of the CGIAR, and Italy was a participant at the Group's first meeting in 1971. The country is the host of the CGIAR's International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) and its FAO-based Science Council, as well as of the headquarters of CGIAR Co-sponsors, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Italy's official support to the CGIAR is provided through the Directorate General for Development Cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and guided by the Instituto Agronomico per l'Oltremare (IAO).

Ministry of Foreign Affairs