A $600 million global initiative was launched by scientists on Wednesday to increase rice yields and minimize the environmental impact of rice production. This effort, known as the Global Rice Science Partnership, aims to help 150 million people out of poverty by 2035 by conducting research over the next five years to improve yields and develop stronger rice strains that can withstand flooding and climate change. Led by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and its partners, the initiative was unveiled in Hanoi during a meeting of rice scientists, executives, policymakers, and traders from nearly 70 countries to discuss research, demand, trading, and currency risks. The focus of the research is to enhance food security, as rice is a staple for over half of the global population and most of the developing world. Additionally, the new research seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from rice production by over 1 billion tons of carbon dioxide through improved irrigation methods and the prevention of deforestation. The consultative group stated that if farmers were able to achieve higher yields, they would not need to expand their fields into new areas, potentially saving over 1.2 million hectares (3 million acres) of forest, wetlands, and other natural ecosystems by 2035. They also mentioned that annual funding for rice research by donors would increase to $139 million by 2015 from approximately $100 million the following year to help achieve the goals of the scheme. By increasing supplies and reducing food prices, the initiative is expected to help alleviate poverty for up to 72 million people by 2020, according to Zeigler. Along with IRRI, the initiative involves two French organizations, a research center in Japan, and numerous other partners from governments, the private sector, and civil society.