FEBRUARY 15, 2008 - - Plans to renovate the the former Des Moines Public Library into the Norman E. Borlaug Hall of Laureates received significant boosts this month as two major donations were announced.

With the $6 million in new funds, the World Food Prize has now secured $19.3 million of the total $29.8 million needed to complete the project. The Hall of Laureates, which will be the home of the Borlaug Dialogue, will honor Dr. Borlaug, the World Food Prize Laureates and Iowa’s agricultural and humanitarian pioneers for their significant contributions to the global fight against hunger and helping feed the world.

Open to the public, the Hall of Laureates will serve as a museum and educational facility to recognize great achievements in agriculture and highlight hunger and food security issues.The Norman Borlaug Hall of Laureates is scheduled to be completed in 2010.

Learn more about these two generous donations: