Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Strengthens Agrifood Collaboration at CIMMYT Headquarters in Mexico

High-Level Visit to Advance Global Food Security

H.E. Maxime Prévot, Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation, undertook a significant visit to the headquarters of the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) in Texcoco, Mexico, on November 11, 2025. The purpose of the visit was to explore enhanced collaboration in critical areas such as global food security, agricultural innovation, and the development of climate-resilient agrifood systems.

During his visit, Deputy Prime Minister Prévot was welcomed by CIMMYT Director General Bram Govaerts and other senior leadership. The Belgian delegation engaged in discussions and tours designed to highlight CIMMYT's global impact through science-driven solutions that support smallholder farmers, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable intensification.

A Legacy of Partnership and Shared Values

The collaboration between Belgium and CIMMYT spans nearly four decades, originating in 1987 with Belgian-funded research focused on combating wheat diseases across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. This enduring partnership has since expanded to include work on conservation agriculture, food safety, and joint initiatives with prominent Belgian academic institutions such as UCLouvain, KU Leuven, and Ghent University.

Deputy Prime Minister Prévot underscored Belgium's commitment, stating, 'Belgium will continue to be an important partner, and CIMMYT's work embodies the values we promote, defend, and will continue to support.' This statement reflects Belgium's broader dedication to international agricultural research, being a significant supporter of the CGIAR network, of which CIMMYT is a key member.

Focus on Climate Resilience and Agricultural Innovation

The visit included a comprehensive tour of CIMMYT's facilities, specifically its biodiversity and seed systems facilities. This provided the delegation with firsthand insight into how research is translated into practical tools for farmers worldwide.

Key areas of discussion during the visit included:

• Resilient seed systems
• Sustainable soil and water management
• Science-policy integration

These discussions emphasized CIMMYT's role in shaping inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems, particularly in the face of climate change challenges.

CIMMYT's Global Mandate

CIMMYT, known by its Spanish acronym for Centro Internacional de Mejoramiento de Maíz y Trigo, is a non-profit research-for-development organization. It is dedicated to developing improved varieties of maize and wheat and innovating agricultural practices to enhance food security and reduce poverty globally. The center is also renowned for hosting the world's largest maize and wheat genebank at its Mexican headquarters.