The Co-operative Research Programme (CRP): Biological Resource Management for Sustainable Agricultural Systems was established in 1979 to strengthen co-operative efforts among research scientists and institutions.

The 2010-2014 Programme promotes international co-operation in priority areas of basic and applied agro-food research through the sponsorship of conferences and research fellowships in one of 3 themes. 

The CRP's main objective is to strengthen scientific knowledge and provide relevant scientific information and advice that will inform future policy decisions related to the sustainable use of natural resources, in the areas of food, agriculture, forests and fisheries.

The objective and work of the Programme are rooted in both policy and science in these areas, which, more than ever, are multidisciplinary in nature, so as to respond to the varied demands of a range of stakeholder groups, taking into account that the world is globalised and food production systems are interlinked.

The Governing Body, composed of a representative from each member country, defines the general orientation of the Programme. It takes the final decision about which applications for conference sponsorship and fellowship awards to fund.

The Scientific Advisory Body, comprised of 6 scientists and research administrators nominated by the member countries participating in the Programme, is responsible for its scientific content.

The Scientific Advisory Body has an important role advising and assessing applications received, and advising the Governing Body about which applications it thinks merit, scientifically, to be funded.

A network of National Correspondents  is responsible for disseminating information about the annual Call for Applications to interested scientists and institutions in their country.

Applicants must be nationals or residents of one of the OECD Member countries participating in our Programme.