Since 1986 a special award has been given out every year in Des Moines, IA. The World Food Prize honors individuals who have advanced human development by improving quality, quantity or availability of food in the world, without regard to race, religion, or political beliefs.

The award is the brainchild of the late Dr. Norman Borlaug, a native Iowan and the father of the Green revolution who saved millions of people from starvation by developing high-yielding wheat. Dr. Borlaug won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 for his scientific advancements in Agriculture, but envisioned a prize that specifically recognized those who have made a significant improvement to the world’s food supply. More importantly Dr. Borlaug hoped this prize would create role models and inspire others.

The week includes many events highlighting food and agriculture starting with a lecture last night by Dr. Hans Herren, a 1995 World Food Prize Laureate, on the U.S. impact on Global Food Security. There was also a lecture at Iowa State University with this years Laureate, Gebisa Ejeta on revitalizing agriculture research for global food security.

Today the third annual Iowa Hunger Summit gathers leaders from all industries in the state together to celebrate the outstanding efforts of Iowans to ensure adequate food for all.

The World Food Prize officially starts tomorrow with the famous Borlaug Symposium, which will be attended by several hundred participants from over 65 countries focusing on how these various fields of industry, policy, science, development and academia, can work together to attain food and nutrition security for all people.

A variety of topics will be covered at the symposium related to food security, nutrition, agriculture, development, gender issues, preserving soil and water resources, and trade. The speakers will address these issues and many more over the next three days.

Of course, one speaker in particular will be greatly missed this year. I know Dr. Borlaug is proud of the World Food Prize and his legacy will live on inspiring future leaders to make a difference in the lives of others.

-Libby Crimmings