Frequently asked questions

The following questions are frequently asked by potential or current partners, users and contributors. If your questions are not answered here, use the form to submit your own.

What is the status of EiB now?

CGIAR Excellence in Breeding (EiB) was an official CGIAR Platform 2017-2021. Since 2022, EiB works via CGIAR Genetic Innovation Initiatives, accelerating the modernization of crop breeding programs that serve farmers in low- and middle-income countries. EiB is now a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation funded project that helps deliver the new CGIAR Genetic Innovation Initiatives.

What is EiB's relationship with the new CGIAR Iniatives?

EiB is transitioning into the new Genetic Innovation Initiatives. In particular, most of modules will operate through Breeding Resources. NARES support operates within Accelerated Breeding, and aspects of the Product Profile and breeding pipeline work operate within Market Intelligence. Initiatives are interlinked. For more info on the Initiatives, see the PPTs on this page: https://www.cgiar.org/news-events/event/nares-one-cgiar-genetic-innovati...

EiB continues to operate as a Platform through the support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Long-term decisions about how EiB's team functions and brand will change alongside the Initiatives are still in process.

What is the legacy of EiB?

EiB helped change the culture of breeding within the CGIAR/NARES network. Learn more in the Summary Report and the annual reports linked within: https://cgspace.cgiar.org/handle/10568/120362

Who manages the website, toolbox, social media and services once provided by EiB?

Team members are now working through Initiatives, who manage the services once delivered by EIB. After the end of the Gates-supported EiB project, the website, toolbox, social media and other services may be repurposed or rebranded.

What was the purpose of providing standardized information about product profiles, stage gate implementation, genetic gains assessment, breeding schemes, genomics, phenotyping and bioinformatics tools used?

This serves a number of purposes. Firstly, to establish a benchmark from which future improvements can be made. Secondly, through the community of practice, other members will be able to learn from one another and will be exposed to novel ways of operating as this information is shared between members. Thirdly, this information will help EiB to identify how the Platform may best serve any given member. Finally, it is also an important input to joint funding proposals to bring greater resources to member teams.