The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) is an autonomous, nonprofit, public, international organization. It was established in 1974 during a world food crisis and at the urging of then U .S. Secretary of State Dr. Henry Kissinger. In 1977 U.S. President Jimmy Carter, by an Executive Order accorded IFDC immunities and privileges of an international organization. The initial purpose of IFDC was to help the developing countries solve their food-deficit problems by focusing on the development of fertilizers and fertilizer practices to meet the special needs of their tropical and subtropical climates and soils. IFDC has always stressed the need for efficiency in the production, marketing, and use of fertilizer to protect the environment, reduce energy consumption, and ensure its cost-effectiveness. Since 1975 IFDC's scientists have been striving to create a more sustainable agriculture in the developing countries by helping them to develop a more competitive and cost-effective fertilizer subsector to build soil fertility and produce more food. More recently, IFDC has evolved into a multifaceted center with a broadened focus. IFDC's mission today focuses on increasing and sustaining food and agricultural productivity in the developing countries through the development and transfer of effective and environmentally sound plant nutrient technology and agribusiness expertise.

What Does IFDC Offer?

Through our projects in Asia, Africa, Latin America, central and eastern Europe, and the former Soviet Union, we enthusiastically sup- port sustainable agricultural growth emanating from innovative solutions and the entrepreneurial spirit. Our technical services, which include project design, implementation, and monitoring capabilities, encompass the following primary areas:

• Agribusiness

• Engineering and Technology

What Is IFDC's Focus?

IFDC's work concentrates on these broad areas: agribusiness, engineering and technology, nutrient dynamics, management information systems, human resource development, water- shed management, and policy reform and market research and development. IFDC has linkages with numerous national, international, and nongovernmental organizations around the globe. Our partners and clients are diverse and include bilateral and multilateral development agencies, host-government institutions, and private enterprises.