IFDC was established in 1974 to address global food security challenges through improved use of fertilizers and related technologies. Since inception, IFDC’s programs have been science-based and sharply focused on the achievement of enduring solutions to soil fertility management. With an initial focus on the developing countries of the tropics and subtropics, IFDC’s target countries have expanded to include countries in transition from centrally planned to market-oriented economies.

During the past 35 years, IFDC has been instrumental in improving food security and in stimulating economic growth in many of the world’s poorest countries by addressing both supply- and demand-side issues to increase agricultural sector performance.  Agriculture remains the engine for economic growth in Africa, and many countries in Asia, the former Soviet Union and Latin America.