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

196 History of the International Rice Research InstituteAppendix 3MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDINGPREAMBLEThe fact that many areas of the world are deficient in the production of basic foods essentialto the nutrition of local populations is of growing public concern. Among thoseplant products which provide the bulk of the world’s food, rice is preeminent; it is themost important cereal and serves as the principal daily food for more individuals thandoes any other food crop. Unfortunately, however, the annual supply of rice falls farshort of needs in many rice-consuming countries and the situation is becomingincreasingly serious with progressive population increases. In many areas, rice varietiesare unimproved and cultivators make little use of modem techniques of productionwith the result that yields are far below production potentials.In view of the importance of rice as a human food and the interest of the Ford andRockefeller Foundations in contributing to increasing the quantity and quality ofavailable food crops for the peoples of the world, these two foundations and theGovernment of the Philippines have during the past six months been discussing thedesirability of establishing an international rice research institute at an appropriatelocation. It has now been decided that there is great need for a research institution of thischaracter, that it should be located in Southeast Asia, and that the Philippine Islandscould provide an ideal site for its establishment. Negotiations between the Governmentof the Philippines and the Ford and Rockefeller Foundations have proceeded on themost cordial basis and have now reached the point at which it is deemed desirable torecord general agreement in this Memorandum of Understanding. In so doing, it isunderstood by all concerned that modifications may be indicated as the programdevelops, and that they may be made after mutual consultation.PROPOSALIt is proposed, through the joint efforts of the Government of the Philippines and theFord and Rockefeller Foundations, to establish in the Philippines an organization to beknown as THE INTERNATIONAL RICE RESEARCH INSTITUTE (hereinafter referredto as THE INSTITUTE) to carry on the following kinds of activities:(1) Basic research on the rice plant and applied research on all phases of riceproduction, management, distribution, and utilization;(2) Publication and dissemination of the research findings of THE INSTITUTE;(3) Distribution of improved plant materials to regional and international researchcenters where they might be of significant value in breeding or improvementprograms;