A $600 million global initiative was launched by scientists on Wednesday with the goal of increasing rice yields and reducing the environmental impact of rice production. They believe that these efforts could help 150 million people escape poverty by 2035. The Global Rice Science Partnership, led by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and its partners, will conduct research over the next five years to improve yields and develop stronger rice strains that can withstand flooding and climate change. The initiative was unveiled in Hanoi during a gathering of rice scientists, executives, policymakers, and traders from nearly 70 countries to discuss research, demand, and risks associated with trading and currency. The director general of IRRI, Robert Zeigler, emphasized the importance of rice as a staple food for over half of the global population and stressed the importance of ensuring food security. The research also aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from rice production by over 1 billion tons of carbon dioxide by implementing better irrigation methods and preventing deforestation. The consultative group stated that with increased crop yields, farmers would not need to expand into new areas, potentially saving over 1.2 million hectares of natural ecosystems by 2035. Donors are planning to increase annual funding for rice research to $139 million by 2015 to support these goals. By increasing supplies and reducing food prices, the initiative aims to help lift approximately 72 million people out of poverty by 2020. Along with IRRI, the initiative involves two French organizations, a research center in Japan, and numerous other partners from various sectors.