About SRI-2030: Our People and Purpose
Connecting global efforts to scale SRI and strengthen rice systems through partnerships, policy, and innovation
Our Origins, Mission, and Work
Origins of SRI-2030
Founded in 2021 by The Downforce Trust, a UK charity accelerating the transition to Net Zero, SRI‑2030 was created to unify and strengthen global System of Rice Intensification (SRI) efforts. Although SRI adoption had spread to over 60 countries, progress was fragmented. SRI‑2030 builds on decades of research and the experience of millions of farmers to connect these efforts and amplify their impact.
What We do
We collaborate with governments, researchers, civil society, and private-sector actors to embed SRI into policies, farming systems, and value chains. Specifically, we:
- Advise governments, support NGOs, and engage private-sector partners through collaboration and policy integration
- Develop tools, resources, and platforms to support effective implementation
- Facilitate cross-country learning
🔗 Learn more in the Scaling SRI and SRI Resources sections
Our Team
Paul Hawken, Patron
Renowned environmentalist, entrepreneur, and bestselling author, Paul has dedicated decades to advancing sustainable climate solutions. He founded Project Drawdown — which helped inspire SRI‑2030’s creation — and Project Regeneration, both global initiatives tackling climate challenges.
Francesco Carnevale Zampaolo
Programme Director
Francesco is Program Director for the developing practice of SRI, including the integration with Conservation Agriculture. He also leads for South Asia, MENA and our relationship with agricultural organisations including the FAO.
James Dahlgreen
Programme Director
James is Program Director for climate change science and technology, including carbon credits and remote sensing of rice cultivation impacts.
Josh Gibbs
Programme Director
Josh is Programme Director for the coordination and scaling of SRI in Africa having previously worked in the agroforestry and marine conservation sectors.
Alex Pears
Communications Manager
Alex is Communications Manager for SRI-2030 directing the programme’s media, expanding the impact of our message, and working to build connections with individuals and communities.
Sam Bickersteth
Development Advisor
Sam advises international development organisations on climate change, agriculture, and livelihoods. Sam has 30 years field, headquarters, senior executive and advisory experience in the leadership, design, financing and implementation of research and policy programmes. He has worked for the UK government, Oxfam, PwC and Oxford University in Africa, Asia and Latin America engaging multiple international stakeholders. He led the Climate and Development Knowledge Network, and is a Christian Aid Board member.
Ranjita Rajan
Chief Executive, The Downforce Trust
Ranjita Rajan is the granddaughter of Kerala rice farmers, she grew up in Liberia, and began her career in Uganda’s Ministry of Finance. After a spell with McKinsey & Co, Ranjita helped establish the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment at the University of Oxford. She will be helping The Downforce Trust to achieve its mission of accelerating action on climate change, including SRI-2030.
Adam Parr
Founder
Adam's 30-year career has encompassed finance, law, industry, and sport; and he has lived and worked in Japan, South Africa, Australia, and Europe. Between 2006 and 2012 he worked for the Williams Formula One team as chief executive and chairman. Adam launched SRI-2030 in 2021 after learning about the opportunity that agriculture offers for climate mitigation and adaptation.
SRI-2030 Advisory Board
Our Advisory Board brings together leading experts in agroecology, climate policy, plant breeding, and trade to guide SRI‑2030’s global strategy.
Karla is a distinguished figure in Chilean agriculture, holding a PhD in Horticulture & Agronomy from UC Davis, USA, as well as a degree in Agricultural Engineering and a Master's in Horticulture from the University of Talca, Chile. Her expertise has been instrumental in advancing Chilean rice cultivation, particularly through the adaptation of the System of Rice Intensification into the Climate Smart Rice System (CSRS), which eliminates continuous flooding and significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Since 2005, she has spearheaded Chile's National Rice Breeding Programme, resulting in the development of one of the most widely cultivated rice varieties in the country. In recognition of her significant contributions to Chilean agriculture, Karla was honoured with the "Siembra Chile 2023" award by the Chilean Ministry of Agriculture.
Tsimba boasts two decades of experience in SRI, excelling as both a manager and agronomist. His professional journey spans rural development with significant contributions to rural quality of life in Madagascar and spreading information about SRI, globally through events organised by Wageningen University and locally as an educator at Laulanié Green University, where he successfully advocated for SRI to become a central subject. He currently holds the position of General Secretary of the Association Tefy Saina, an organization dedicated to realizing the vision of Father Henri de Laulanié, the originator of SRI, to enhance the quality of life for all.
With over 12 years of experience working across four continents, Kelly now leads the Agriculture Climate Action and Sustainability Program at the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture in Costa Rica. Kelly holds master's degrees in Sustainable Development and International Affairs. Kelly focuses on promoting efficient, sustainable, and low- emissions agriculture while identifying and promoting innovations that can benefit producers in the region. Kelly has supported the validation of SRI in several countries. Director, Green Climate Fund Unit at The Nature Conservancy.
Abha has over 15 years of experience in research, consulting, and management in agroecology and climate-smart agriculture. Abha is an expert in soil biology, rhizosphere, and their contribution to yield, greenhouse gas mitigation, and regenerative agriculture. Abha has been recognised for her research with several international awards and research grants, including a six-year, €3.4 million EU grant for the greater Mekong River region. The project linked local and global actors to promote sustainable intensification of agriculture, particularly SRI, through agroecology. A member of the Asian Institute of Technology’s Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department, Abha has helped establish agroecology in higher education.
Emily is the founder and director of Bloom Agro, an Indonesian social enterprise that promotes sustainable agriculture and social and economic development. Her innovative approach has helped lift the export ban on rice, making Bloom Agro the first organic and fair-trade rice producer and exporter in Indonesia. With Sunria brand premium, organic and fair-trade rice for the international market, Emily has empowered local farmers and promoted environmentally responsible farming practices. Emily has won multiple awards from the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture and Presidential Awards for Best Organic Farmer, and Best Farmer for Food Security.
Bancy introduced SRI to Kenya in 2009. Through research, policy advocacy, and outreach activities, she has worked with others to promote SRI as a best practice, leading to its adoption by thousands of farmers and policy support in Kenya's National Rice Development Strategy. Since then, Bancy has embarked on promoting SRI across Africa and is the convener and manager of the SRI-Africa knowledge portal launched in 2018. Bancy has advised many organisations including WFP, FAO, World Bank, IFAD, UNDP, NEPAD, African Union, AGRA, and AfDB; worked for ICRISAT and the International Water Management Institute.
Who We Partner With
SRI‑2030 works with a diverse and growing network of partners across sectors to scale SRI and strengthen rice systems.
FAQs: About SRI‑2030
To scale SRI globally as a practical solution to climate change, food insecurity, and rural development, aiming to reach 50 million hectares by 2030.
Adam Parr launched SRI‑2030 in 2021 as an initiative of The Downforce Trust. Adam was inspired by what he read about SRI in Project Drawdown: a way to increase yields and returns for farmers while reducing GHG emissions and environmental impacts.
SRI‑2030 is an initiative of The Downforce Trust, a charity registered in England, no. 1187541.
The Downforce Trust is headquartered in Oxford, UK, with partners and activities in several African countries.
We work with governments to help them achieve their goals for food sovereignty and the environment. The governments we work with all have goals to increase rice production and most already know about SRI. Consequently, we work with them to identify the barriers to scaling SRI are and we collaborate with researchers, NGOs, private-sector actors, and multilateral institutions to help overcome those barriers.
We are funded by grants and investments.
We do not accept applications for grants or partnerships. If you believe that you can help us to achieve our mission then contact us at info@sri-2030.org.
