The below is attributable to Spokesperson Rebecca Chalif:
Today, Administrator Samantha Power spoke at the first public meeting of members of the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development (BIFAD), as the world is facing an unprecedented food security crisis. The Board was recently appointed by President Biden in January 2022. BIFAD advises USAID on agriculture and higher education issues pertinent to food insecurity in developing countries.
Administrator Power welcomed newly appointed members and thanked former members for their service and contributions. She highlighted the appointment of Board Chair Dr. Laurence Alexander, Chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the first leader of a historically Black university to preside over BIFAD.
The Administrator discussed the catastrophic impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on food security and nutrition, and the U.S. government’s response efforts to this global crisis. She underscored BIFAD’s vital role in guiding the Agency in using evidence and lessons learned from recent and historic shocks to global food systems as it responds to the current evolving crisis.
The BIFAD also announced the commissioning of a study informed by broad consultation with experts to develop solutions to climate change adaptation and mitigation for food, nutrition, and agricultural systems.