Washington-The need for innovative fertilizer research is a global issue that calls for a global response, declared University of Tennessee Chancellor Jimmy G. Cheek at a two-day meeting of the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) at the World Bank here to launch IFDC’s Virtual Fertilizer Research Center (VFRC). Cheek, a recognized expert in agricultural and natural resources, declared that new and improved fertilizers are critical elements in the effort to feed the world’s growing population, provide sustainable global food security, and protect the environment. “No ‘new’ fertilizer product has been developed in the last 25 years that is affordable for use on food crops in less developed countries,” he asserted, citing widespread deficiencies in micronutrients ?Çô boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, and zinc. “Research has already shown that enriching fertilizers with micronutrients not only has an impact in alleviating plant deficiencies, but also makes a difference for humans and animals,” Cheek said. “In the end, we will create a research system that produces more food with fewer wasted resources and a reduced environmental impact.” During the two-day meeting, it was disclosed that the VFRC will partner with universities, public and private research laboratories, and the global fertilizer and agribusiness industries to bring together the best scientific, business, and government minds to tackle the issue. Startup funding was provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Transparency Across the Fertilizer Value-Chain