An adventure in applied science - IRRI books - International Rice ...

162 History of the International Rice Research Institute5. During the discussions, the participants envisioned a worldwide networkof international agricultural research centers that would carry on comprehensiveresearch and training programs with the major food crops, and also attackthe serious animal production problems of Africa.Bellagio IIIThe recommendations of the agricultural representatives at Bellagio II werepassed on to the heads of their organizations. In April 1970, the latter (essentiallythe same group that attended the Bellagio I meeting) met again at theBellagio Conference Center to consider the recommendations of the BellagioII gathering.Two principal actions emanated from this third meeting:1. Agreement was reached that feasibility studies should be undertaken tocover the five areas that the Bellagio II group felt could justify aninternational research effort.2. Approval was given to a proposal that a consultative group be formed, toconsist of donors interested in supporting a network of internationalresearch centers.Major credit is due Robert S. McNamara, president of the World Bank, forthe proposal to form a consultative group. In October 1969, he wrote to thedirector general of FAO and to the administrator of UNDP suggesting a jointprogram to support international agricultural research through a mechanismby which the three agencies could mobilize, on a long and continuous basis, theresources required to maintain the existing centers and to develop new ones.McNamara indicated that he had in mind the establishment of four to six newinstitutes or programs over the next 5 years.The responses from FAO and UNDP were favorable and thus the matterwas brought before the assistance agencies represented at the Bellagio IImeeting.Bellagio IVThe feasibility studies requested at the Bellagio III meeting were undertaken,largely by Rockefeller Foundation staff members. On 3-4 December 1970, theBellagio Group met again to hear and discuss reports on four of the five topicssuggested for study. To save travel time, the meetings were held at theRockefeller and Ford Foundations — one day at Rockefeller, the other at Ford.The Group heard the following reports:1. An International Upland Crops Program — by Clarence C. Gray, III2. The Food Legumes — by Lewis M. Roberts3. International Laboratory for Animal Disease Research — by John J. McKelvey, Jr., and John A. Pino; and Livestock Production in Sub-Sahara Africa— by John A. Pino4. Key Needs for Agricultural Water Management Research and Training in theDeveloping Nations — by Ellis L. Hatt and W. David HopperThe most recent plans for the creation of a CGIAR were presented to theGroup and received an enthusiastic response.