Press and News Connecting food systems science with culinary practice: the Alliance and the Culinary Institute of America sign partnership
NEW YORK, 24 September 2026 — The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a five-year partnership linking agricultural science, culinary education, and food systems change. The agreement was announced during New York Climate Week, following a Biodiversity Bites event centered on beans.
The bean- a high source of nutrition, and a climate-resilient crop- represents a shared starting point. The Alliance conserves bean diversity in its genebank in Colombia, with breeding programs that develop and distribute improved varieties across the African continent, mostly notably the PABRA Network. But for agricultural innovations to reach their full impact, the gap between producers and consumers needs to shorten. And chefs are essential in bridging this distance.
Under this MoU, the two organizations will work across agricultural biodiversity, sustainable food systems, nutrition, climate resilience, and food environments. Planned areas of cooperation include:
- Translating scientific research into culinary education, sourcing, and institutional procurement
- Joint research, innovation, and capacity strengthening on agrobiodiversity and climate-resilient food systems
- Joint thought leadership, policy engagement, and convening on sustainable diets
- Academic exchange, including student and postdoctoral opportunities
- Joint fundraising and resource mobilization
“Science can give us crops that are more nutritious, more diverse and more resilient to a changing climate. But that is only part of the journey. Those crops need to reach farmers, markets, kitchens and ultimately people’s plates. Our partnership with the Culinary Institute of America brings those worlds together — connecting agricultural science with culinary creativity to help make better food systems something people choose and enjoy." Said Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg, Managing Director for Africa at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT.
Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg
Managing Director, Africa, and Trustee, Bioversity International USA"Rapid diversification of the foods we grow and raise is one of the most powerful resilience tools we can employ in face of shocks like climate change. However, we then have to make sure that eaters actually purchase and enjoy those foods to achieve real food systems change. That is our expertise at the CIA and why we are so excited about this new partnership with the Alliance. Together we will deliver delicious diversity on plates that helps bring meaningful impact for personal and planetary health," said Robert E. Jones, Vice President for Strategic Partnerships, Industry Leadership, and Impact at The Culinary Institute of America.
Robert E. Jones
Vice President for Strategic Partnerships, Industry Leadership, and Impact at The Culinary Institute of AmericaAbout the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT
The Alliance delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and transform food systems to improve people's lives. It addresses the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation, and is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future.
About The Culinary Institute of America
Founded in 1946, the Culinary Institute of America is the world’s premier culinary college. Dedicated to developing leaders in foodservice and hospitality, the independent, not-for-profit CIA offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees with majors in Baking and Pastry Arts, Culinary Arts, Culinary Science, Culinary Therapeutics, Food Business, Food Studies and Sustainability, Hospitality Management, and Wine and Beverage Management. The college also offers executive education, certificate programs, and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. Its conferences, leadership initiatives, and consulting services have made CIA the think tank of the food industry and its worldwide network of more than 55,000 alumni includes innovators in every area of the food world. CIA has locations in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore.
Media contact
- Eliot Gee, Global Communications, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT: [email protected]
