1) Regional reviews now underway are conducted through a synthesis of existing national and regional studies and reports on agricultural research and development needs and priorities. These reviews are already providing a summary of regional research and development needs within the global context of agricultural research. The outcome of these reviews is being used to frame questions for the e-consultations at regional and global levels. The final regional review reports will be posted on the GCARD website (here) as they become available.

2) Electronic consultations are being held between 1-30 September, 2009, in different regions (see how you can take part). These facilitated e-consultations will encourage wide participation and contribution of ideas and experiences of how and where, research has enabled agricultural technologies to help achieve development impact. Present contributions from each region with unique opportunities to learn between regions and between multiple actors involved in agriculture. A summary report will be made available from each region. For more information on the regional e-consultations, please click here.

3) GCARD Global Core Group of Consultants - Following the regional e-consultation, a Global Core Group of consultants will synthesize all the regional inputs to reflect a global picture of the needs and issues articulated from the regions.

4) Face-to-Face dialogues through Workshops will be underway mid-November 2009 (see how you can take part). These dialogues will provide diverse perspectives on the priorities for agricultural research for development, working back from the desired development impacts to ensure that research and innovation are focused on meeting development goals. Video shorts will help illustrate the diversity of opinions and perspectives directly from those who participate. For more information on the face-to-face workshops, including schedule, venue and how to participate, please click here.

5) GCARD Documents and additional reading related to the Conference are available here.