BERLIN, GERMANY — Members of the Wheat Initiative met in September to discuss advances and gaps in wheat research and the contributions of the group in supporting the wheat research community.

The Wheat Initiative Jamboree was held Sept. 18-20 in Istanbul, Turkey, and was attended by all three committees.

More than 40 representatives participated, connected and presented updates on their activities. There was also an opportunity to assess the latest developments on wheat research and discuss research priorities for the next phase.

 “Climate change is a major concern for all wheat producing countries,” said İrfan ÖZTÜRK, representative of TAGEM in the meeting. “The Wheat Initiative plays an important role in ensuring collaboration between member countries and helping them address this challenge. These important issues were discussed, and decisions made at the Istanbul Jamboree meeting.”

Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Support Authority in Ireland, helped organize an evaluation session of the work carried out by the Wheat Initiative, helping participants reflect on what has been achieved to date and the way forward. Feedback from participants was key to set the basis of this analysis, which will continue in the months to come.

“The jamboree provided an opportunity to evaluate the work and impact of the Wheat Initiative and map the path for the next five years,” said Peter Langridge, chair of the Wheat Initiative Scientific Board. “It was impressive to see how much has been achieved and the continuing active and enthusiastic engagement from wheat researchers and funding agencies.”