Applications Invited for Norman Borlaug Field Award 2024

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About the Organization

The World Food Prize Foundation's mission is to elevate innovations and inspire action to sustainably increase the quality, quantity and availability of food for all.

The Foundation supports this mission through programs:

• Recognizing and rewarding individuals making exceptional achievements in addressing food security;
• Convening global leaders in Des Moines each year to address the latest issues and innovations in food and agriculture;
• Inspiring and recognizing exceptional students in Iowa, in the U.S. and around the world by providing educational and professional experiences on pressing food security and agriculture issues; and
• Addressing Iowa's challenges and successes in fighting hunger and poverty through the Iowa Hunger Summit and Directory.

The World Food Prize Foundation was initially sponsored and formed by businessman and philanthropist John Ruan, Sr. with support from the Governor and State Legislature of Iowa. Mr. Ruan endowed The Prize and relocated it to Des Moines in 1990 when its first sponsor withdrew. Without Mr. Ruan's generosity, the Prize and Dr. Borlaug's vision could not have continued. Today, more than 80 companies, foundations and individuals support the Foundation. In 2001, John Ruan's son, John Ruan III, succeeded his father as chairman of the Board of the Foundation. A distinguished international Council of Advisors provides guidance and support to the Foundation.

About the Award

This award will recognize exceptional, science-based achievement in international agriculture and food production by an individual under 40 who has clearly demonstrated intellectual courage, stamina, and determination in the fight to eliminate global hunger and poverty.

The award will honor an individual who is working closely and directly “in the field” or at the production or processing level with farmers, animal herders, fishers or others in rural communities, in any discipline or enterprise across the entire food production, processing, and distribution chain.

The $10,000 Norman Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application, endowed by The Rockefeller Foundation, will be presented every October in Des Moines, Iowa, by the World Food Prize Foundation.

Candidates will be evaluated and selected based on the attributes and accomplishments that reflect those demonstrated by Dr. Borlaug during his work in field research and application, which include:

• Persistence. Exhibiting Dr. Borlaug’s “never give up” attitude, even in the face of adversity, difficult circumstances, limitation of resources, and/or critique from colleagues.
• Innovation. Applying Dr. Borlaug’s credo “reach for the stars” in pursuing innovative pathways, methods, and solutions in a quest to provide adequate food and nutrition for the world’s people.
• Communication. Emulating Dr. Borlaug’s example of understanding local cultures; working effectively in cross-cultural, cross-disciplinary situations; identifying the needs and assets of people in a given community or region; and connecting with a diverse array of stakeholders.
• Research/Science.  Facilitating positive change through rigorous research methods, techniques, management approaches, and/or strategies that result in increased food production, availability, distribution, and/or better nutrition.
• Extension. Extending innovative discoveries and technologies in plant science, animal science, and/or food science to underserved farmers and consumers.
• Education. Providing hands-on science training and education to stakeholders in rural communities, including farm families and agricultural and food production workers.
• Application. Applying improved technologies and/or management systems to crops and/or animal agriculture for sustainable production, more nutritious food, and a reduction of poverty.
• Leadership. Demonstrating leadership of other agricultural professionals, field researchers, and/or practitioners working in collaborative programs aimed at reducing hunger and poverty and revitalizing communities.
• Impact. Increasing the amount of food available through all of the above.  Dr. Borlaug was always about making a difference and “putting more food on the plate.”

Eligibility

• Nominees must be under the age of 40 (40th birthday not reached before World Food Day, October 16, of the year in which the award is presented).
• Nominees must be actively working in the discipline, research area, position, or on the project(s) for which they are being recognized. They may be associated with a public or private educational, research or development organization or related entity.
• Nominees remain eligible for consideration beyond the year of their nomination, at the discretion of the Award Jury, as long as the award criteria and age requirement are met.
• The award is intended to be presented to one person. In unusual and rare circumstances, another person may share the award for pronounced collaborative efforts and achievement.

How to Apply

To nominate a deserving individual, please visit this form. Nominations are due June 15.

Submit a Nomination

For more information please check the Link

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