IFDC said it is launching a global research initiative Virtual Fertilizer Research Center (VFRC) to create the next generation of fertilisers and production technologies.
The world's struggle in 2008 with food, fertiliser and fuel price crises has called for new and innovative research to improve the use of land and labour resources, reduce emissions and conserve natural resources.
In partnership with universities, public and private research laboratories and the global fertiliser and agribusiness industries, the VFRC aims to create a research system producing more food with fewer wasted resources and a reduced environmental impact.
The initial financial support for this initiative is being provided by the US Agency for International Development.
The VFRC will develop new products that will deliver the nutrients that the growing plants require and diminish environmental externalities.
The centre will invest in advanced fertiliser research and will coordinate it with advanced plant genetic research to achieve synergy between more efficient use of available nutrients by plants and more efficient delivery of nutrients by fertiliser products.
The VFRC also plans to develop systems that can make these products cheaper and more accessible to farmers.
