Temperate Rice Research Consortium (TRRC)
Strengthening the collaboration in agricultural research to improve temperate and Japonica rice
The TRRC was developed to promote resource-sharing and information exchange among member countries and partner institutions, aiming to efficiently address the challenges of improving the conditions and the technologies to produce temperate rice.
Ajay Kohli
Deputy Director General, Research Delivery and Innovations, IRRI
Member of TRRC Steering Committee
Over the years, the Temperate Rice Research Consortium (TRRC) has ushered in dynamic and innovative solutions for rice-based farming systems by providing research-based tools and technologies. Outcomes of these efforts include notable milestones such as the breeding of temperate japonica rice varieties adaptable to tropical regions and the development of cold-tolerant rice varieties. TRRC identifies concerns of rice research in temperate environments and high-altitude areas in the tropics and provides support and coordination to National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems (NARES) for those problems. Its collaboration with IRRI allows scaling of the innovations on the field. The consortium boasts of 18 member countries that work together to solve issues on temperate rice improvement such as resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses, high yield potential, and better grain quality and nutrition.
This new and improved TRRC website, which we are pleased to relaunch, is a platform from which information can be derived about its members, current research projects, news, upcoming events, and other useful resources. We hope that this will be a useful channel to exchange new and innovative ideas and stay updated on events, initiatives, and future milestones that the consortium aims to accomplish.
On behalf of IRRI, I express our strong commitment to leverage our capacities and implement research programs with the Rural Development Administration (RDA) of Korea and the wider TRRC network. Under this collaboration, we hope to achieve a positive and significant impact for the rice farmers and consumers without compromising our environment and human nutrition.
Ki-Young Kim
Director, Crop Breeding Division, National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), Rural Development Administration (RDA), Korea
Member of TRRC Steering Committee
On behalf of the NICS-RDA, I would like to extend my sincerest appreciation to many rice scientists for their active involvement in the Temperate Rice Research Consortium (TRRC) since its founding in 2007. Members of the TRRC from all over the world have been interacting and collaborating to find solutions to issues related to rice production in temperate regions. This was made possible by the sharing of superior germplasm developed by the TRRC members and scientific expertise. I believe that some of our efforts have resulted in tangible outcomes such as the development of pest and disease-resistant and higher-yielding varieties and breeding lines.
However, climate change is increasingly and seriously posing challenges to secure and sustainable rice production. I hope that the concerted efforts of the TRRC members will present a more precise roadmap to bring about more significant impacts on the rice community in temperate regions and beyond.