IRRI 2025 Annual Report: At the Nexus of Food, Nature, and Climate

For sixty-five years, IRRI has utilized science to help feed the global population, yet it now faces challenges that differ significantly from those of its founding era. Today, these issues are deeply interconnected rather than isolated; climate change, biodiversity loss, market volatility, and farmer livelihoods all converge at a critical point within food systems. Consequently, no single technology or institution can address future food security on its own, necessitating a fundamental shift in how IRRI approaches its mission to solve complex global problems. This realization drove a major transformation for the organization in 2025, marking an evolution from being primarily a research generator into an integrator of comprehensive solutions across rice-based food systems. With the launch of its new strategy spanning 2025 to 2030, IRRI now focuses on connecting science with policy, financing, technology, and essential partnerships to scale impact in the real world. The core philosophy behind this shift is that innovation only holds value if it successfully reaches people, prompting a move toward more holistic approaches that bridge the gap between laboratory breakthroughs and practical application for farmers everywhere. In terms of tangible achievements during this period, IRRI advanced over sixty next-generation rice varieties while expanding digital advisory systems to assist hundreds of thousands of farmers. Simultaneously, the organization supported the scaling of low-emission rice production across nearly two million hectares, demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability alongside food production goals. However, beyond these specific metrics, the most significant progress lies in strengthening the platforms and partnerships required to move solutions faster and at greater scale, ensuring that innovations can be effectively deployed where they are needed most. Ultimately, this annual report reflects not just scientific advancement but also a deeper understanding of IRRI's evolving role in a rapidly changing world. By helping countries build food systems that are more resilient, sustainable, and prepared for the future, the organization aims to navigate the complex nexus of food, nature, and climate change effectively. This strategic pivot ensures that as global challenges grow in complexity, IRRI remains at the forefront of developing integrated solutions that can sustainably feed a growing population while protecting natural resources.