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The World Food Prize Foundation announced the appointment of Mexico’s former Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development Víctor Villalobos Arambula to the Foundation’s Council of Advisors.
The World Food Prize Foundation announced today the appointment of Mexico’s former Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development Víctor Villalobos Arambula to the Foundation’s Council of Advisors.
“It is a great honor to be part of the Council of Advisors of the World Food Prize,” Villalobos said. “This distinction inspires me to continue working in favor of productive, sustainable, and socially responsible agriculture. By recognizing all those who have dedicated their lives and knowledge to strengthening food security, the World Food Prize Foundation significantly contributes to preserving the legacy of Dr. Norman E. Borlaug—that peace and harmony among humanity will always depend on ensuring food for all.”
The World Food Prize Foundation Council of Advisors, appointed by the Foundation’s Board of Directors, include former heads of state and government ministers, and leaders in food and agricultural science, education, research and policy. They provide the Foundation Board and staff with insights and advice on advancing the mission of the organization and Dr. Norman Borlaug’s vision for the Foundation.
“Dr. Villalobos is a distinguished authority in agronomy, agricultural economics and environmental sciences, bringing over four decades of expertise to these vital fields,” said Mashal Husain, President, World Food Prize Foundation. “A long-standing and dedicated champion and advocate of the Foundation, Dr. Villalobos combines deep scientific insight with extensive policy-making experience, making him an indispensable asset to our mission and work.”
Villalobos has worked in multiple high-level positions for the government of Mexico, in addition to his role as Secretary of Agriculture. He was appointed as Natural Resources Undersecretary, Agriculture Undersecretary and International Affairs Coordinator of Mexico’s Department of Agriculture. He also served as Principal Biotechnology Officer for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome, Italy, and Director of the Tropical Crops Improvement Program at the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE) in Costa Rica.
He became a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry in 2004 for his research in biotechnology, plant production and conservation of natural and genetic resources.
Villalobos earned his bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering and his master's degree in plant genetics from the Chapingo Autonomous University (UACH) in Texcoco in Mexico. His doctorate is in plant morphology from the University of Calgary in Canada.
“Victor Villalobos' dedication to farmers and to the role they play in meeting the challenge of global food and nutrition security is unmatched,” said Thomas Vilsack, CEO, World Food Prize Foundation. “His passion for science and the role it must play in guaranteeing increased production has been lifelong. He will be an invaluable and engaged member to the Council of Advisors.”