Media advisory - Agricultural research that feeds the world: Canadian expert to discuss the challenges of global food security at the inaugural International Food Security Dialogue

EDMONTON, April 29, 2014 /CNW/ - Jean Lebel, President of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), will be delivering the keynote address at the inaugural International Food Security Dialogue.  He will examine some of the key agricultural and food security challenges facing developing countries, while also drawing on Canada's own agricultural history – in particular, lessons learned from family farming on the Prairies. Lebel will compare these experiences with the current challenges facing smallholder farmers in the developing world.

When: Wednesday, April 30, 2014 - 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science (CCIS), University of Alberta – CCIS 1-430 Lecture Hall, Edmonton

The inaugural International Food Security Dialogue, organized by the University of Alberta with support from Canada's International Development Research Centre and Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD), will provide a rallying platform for food security researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to find ways of feeding the estimated 870 million people who go to bed hungry every night. 

Jean Lebel was appointed President of IDRC on May 1, 2013. As President, Jean leads IDRC's contributions to Canada's development, foreign policy and global innovation efforts. He is responsible for significant funding partnerships with Canadian and foreign governments, philanthropic organizations, and the private sector. Lebel previously served as Vice-President, Program and Partnership Branch, overseeing all IDRC programming, as well as Director, Agriculture and Environment. He holds a PhD in environmental sciences from l'Université du Québec à Montréal and an MScA in occupational health sciences from McGill University.

The International Food Security Dialogue puts the spotlight on new and emerging findings from projects in Africa, Asia, and Latin America supported by the Canadian International Food Security Research Fund (CIFSRF).  A key component of Canada's Food Security Strategy, CIFSRF is funded by IDRC in collaboration with the Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD), and aims to put into practice on-the-ground solutions to fight hunger and malnutrition. 

Join in the conversation through Twitter at #IFSD14 and Facebook.  Follow Jean Lebel on Twitter @_JeanLebel.

For more information: www.idrc.ca/IFSD2014.

About IDRC
A key part of Canada's foreign policy efforts, IDRC supports research in developing countries to promote growth and development. The result is innovative, lasting solutions that aim to improve lives and livelihoods. 

SOURCE: International Development Research Centre

Isabelle Bourgeault-Tassé | [phone] | [email protected] | @IDRC_CRDI