On behalf of the International Food Policy Research Institute, I would like to extend my condolences to the people of northern Japan during this time of great crisis and need. Our thoughts at IFPRI are with those who lost their loved ones, homes, and jobs in the March 11 earthquake and tsunami and those still threatened by the ongoing nuclear crisis. The fallout of this triple catastrophe is vast and devastating—and a call to action for the international community. As survivors look toward recovery and Japan begins to rebuild, I encourage all IFPRI staff, families, friends, and partners to support the disaster-management efforts however possible.

At IFPRI, we have conducted research in developing countries on responding to natural disasters and rebuilding after emergencies in timely, cost-effective, and transparent ways; such universal principles are critical components of maintaining economic stability and food security in industrialized nations as well. As a research organization, IFPRI is committed to providing policy options to prepare for and respond to natural disasters so that citizens, particularly poor citizens, are protected by both short-term relief efforts and long-term rebuilding and recovery programs.