Introduction

he United States has long been recognized as a world leader in agricultural research and development. Pioneers such as Luther Burbank and Norman Borlaug set the standards for modern agricultural science. At the same time, the United States Government and private foundations in North America have provided crucial funding for much of the international agricultural research worldwide, including centers like ICARDA, whose work to alleviate poverty, achieve food security in developing countries and promote sustainable agriculture is supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).
    The Central and West Asia and North Africa (CWANA) region in which ICARDA mainly works has low rainfall, hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters, which is similar to the climate in many areas of the US--particularly in the west of the country. This means that farmers in the USA and CWANA grow many of the same crops; principally wheat, but also barley, food legumes (chickpea and lentil) and forage crops. And, therefore, improved crop varieties and agricultural technologies developed in one area invariably have potential applications in the other.
    But ICARDA also operates in the dry areas of Yucatan, Mexico, and in South America, both in the dry, semi-desert and in Andean regions with low rainfall and short growing seasons.

" ICARDA's work improves the lives of millions,' said US Ambassador to Syria, Mr Ryan C. Crocker (Left), on a visit to ICARDA Headquarters.