From humble beginnings 25 years ago, the World Food Prize has grown into a week-long recognition of food security issues and a celebration of those working to curb it. Called the World Food Prize Norman E. Borlaug International Symposium, the event brings together world leaders to address current food issues and future needs in feeding people around the globe. The Prize was presented in Des Moines, Iowa last week.
When we talk about being ready, Dr. Norman Borlaug walked the walk. He worked tirelessly to improve grain varieties, and was honored as a 1970 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate for his efforts. He supported the integration of public and private research efforts into viable technologies, and encouraged political leaders to bring these advances to fruition. Dr. Borlaug founded the World Food Prize, and would be proud of what it has become.
Winners of the Prize this year are John Agyekum Kufuor and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. As presidents of Ghana and of Brazil, respectively, they were chosen for their personal commitment and visionary leadership in creating and implementing government policies to alleviate hunger and poverty in their countries. The achievements of these two former heads of state illustrate that transformational leadership truly can effect positive change and profoundly improve people’s lives.
This year’s symposium, known as the “Borlaug Dialogue,” challenged stakeholders to think ahead to the next generation, and we’ll share some of their thoughts in our next blog. Just as Case IH has put emphasis on youth programs, the World Food Prize is expanding its Global Youth Institute with internships and scholarships.
Des Moines is the permanent home of the World Food Prize, which is fitting since it’s in the middle of America’s breadbasket. Full coverage of World Food Prize activities is available for online viewing, courtesy of Iowa Public Television.
Case IH understands that with a growing world population, we have a responsibility to produce more with fewer resources, and our efforts to provide the technology needed to reach that goal are never-ending. Case IH is committed to helping farmers Be Ready to meet the needs of a growing world population. We strongly believe in the mission of the World Food Prize, which serves to recognize contributions in any field involved in the world food supply. It emphasizes the importance of a nutritious and sustainable food supply for all people, and calls attention to the people and practices that improve global food security, and explores what can be accomplished in the future.
