The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) was established in 1975 to identify and analyze alternative national and international strategies for improving the food situation of the low-income countries and peoples of the world.

IFPRI pursues its mandate through the efforts of a group of researchers who are predominantly economists, but some staff have expertise in nutrition, political science, sociology, agronomy and geography.

Researchers, policy makers and those generally interested in development issues are reached through IFPRI's publications. Major studies are published in the research report series. These, along with abstracts that summarize the major policy conclusions, are sent to researchers, policy makers and libraries around the world. Other publications include a newsletter, an annual report, reprints, and commercial publications (published through The John Hopkins University Press). More than 8,000 people receive, or are notified of these publications through IFPRI's mailing list and more than 20,000 publications are distributed each year in addition to those sent through the mailing list.