IFDC Annual Report 2014 | Page 14

IFDC Celebrates 40 Years of Feeding a Hungry World For 40 years, IFDC has dedicated itself to empowering farmers around the world. In the beginning, IFDC’s research and outreach centered solely on developing more efficient and affordable fertilizer products. After four decades of growth, IFDC’s efforts now engage entire agricultural value chains and policy, economic and social issues. This year, we commemorated the devotion of those who helped build IFDC from a fertilizer research and development institution into a well-rounded sustainable development organization. To mark its 40th anniversary, Thomas Hager (The Alchemy of Air) wrote a history of the organization. The book, Feeding a Hungry World: IFDC’s First Forty Years, chronicles the organization’s accomplishments throughout four decades. Using first-hand accounts and IFDC archives, Hager sows the story of IFDC’s dedication to increasing agricultural productivity. Archived documents, handwritten by IFDC’s first managing director and other early staff, along with photos from the IFDC archives, illuminate a rich and enjoyable history. The book is available for Kindle (http://amzn.to/1FNgFxw) and iPad (http://apple.co/1FXBsNo). On September 29, 2014, IFDC held a 40th Anniversary Commemoration in Washington, D.C. The event, titled “Nutrients’ Role in Food Security,” featured guest speakers and paneli