U.S. Backs $40M Climate-Resilient Wheat and Maize Research at CIMMYT
The U.S. government has pledged $40 million to the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT). The funding was announced by U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ron Johnson and will back research into climate-resilient crops. CIMMYT has long been a key player in global agriculture, developing high-yield wheat and maize strains used in over 100 countries.
Founded in the 1940s and '50s, CIMMYT began as a joint effort between the Mexican government and the Rockefeller Foundation. Its early work was guided by Norman Borlaug, a Nobel Peace Prize winner often called the father of the Green Revolution. Under his leadership, the centre pioneered high-yield wheat and maize varieties that transformed farming worldwide.
The new U.S. investment will support projects focused on drought- and heat-tolerant crops. These efforts aim to strengthen food security in regions like South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. CIMMYT's research already reaches farmers in countries such as India, Ethiopia, Mexico, and Turkey through improved seed varieties.
Beyond crop development, the centre maintains a seedbank with nearly 180,000 wheat and maize samples. This collection helps scientists breed new varieties adapted to changing climates. The funding will also expand CIMMYT's research platforms, ensuring continued progress in agricultural innovation.
The $40 million boost will help CIMMYT advance its work on resilient wheat and maize strains. These crops are vital for farmers facing harsher growing conditions due to climate change. With support from governments and private partners, the centre's research will continue to shape global food production.
