Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) is an Australian Government statutory authority that operates within the portfolio of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. ACIAR was established under the , to assist and encourage Australian agricultural scientists to use their skills to identify and find solutions to agricultural problems of developing countries. ACIAR aims to enhance rural household incomes and broader economic growth by investing in international research partnerships that encourage agricultural development, sustainable use of natural resources and capacity-building of benefit to partner countries and Australia. ACIAR has a country  or regional office in each of the following eight countries: China, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Lao PDR and Vietnam. ACIAR's headquarters are located in Canberra, Australia. ACIAR forms part of the Australian Government's overseas aid program and works toward the aid program's objective of assisting developing countries to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development in line with the national interest. Training program. Building capacity of agricultural research institutes in partner countries is one of ACIAR's key priorities. The main priority of the program is to enhance the research capabilities of institutions and  individuals involved in ACIAR projects. Much of this is done in individual projects through on-the-job training, where either developing-country scientists visit Australia or Australian specialists visit partner countries to present a training program. ACIAR offers two fellowship programs, administered under the Australia Awards: