IFDC center to research improved fertilizers

Muscle Shoals, Ala.-The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) has announced the launching of a global research initiative, to be called the Virtual Fertilizer Research Center (VFRC), to create the next generation of new and improved fertilizers and production technologies to help feed the world’s growing population, provide sustainable global food security, and protect the environment. Initial financing will come from the U.S. Agency for International Development. Dr. Jimmy Cheek, chancellor of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and former senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources at the University of Florida, has agreed to chair the advisory board of the VFRC. Cheek envisions VFRC developing a new suite of crop nutrients that will revolutionize agriculture in the developing world. He commented, “I am proud to be associated with the effort and recognize its urgency and importance.” With the food, fertilizer, and fuel price crises abating only temporarily with the global recession, IFDC officials determined that now is the time to act. IFDC President and CEO Amit Roy cautioned that the underlying causes remain, and that it is likely that these problems will re-emerge with economic recovery. Roy emphasized, “These are global issues and they require global solutions. Therefore, IFDC is creating the VFRC as the most rapid, economical way to tap the world’s intellectual capacity to generate this critically needed fertilizer research.” He said the Center 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 create a research system producing more food with fewer wasted resources and a reduced environmental impact. “Because of these crises, new and innovative research is needed to help feed the world. The time has come for developing practices and technologies to improve the use of land and labor resources, reduce emissions into the air and water, and conserve natural resources,” he said.