What is a World Food Prize Laureate?
A World Food Prize Laureate is an individual who has been awarded the World Food Prize, premier international award for food and agriculture.
This prestigious award recognizes outstanding achievements in improving the quality, quantity, or availability of food in the world. Laureates are honored for their significant contributions to advancing human development by enhancing food production, promoting food security and reducing hunger. The award celebrates individuals whose work has had a profound impact on the global food system, reflecting innovative science, leadership and dedication to addressing critical issues in agriculture and food security.
What Does it Mean to Win the World Food Prize?
Announcement: The selection of the Laureate is announced in Washington, D.C., in the spring of the year the World Food Prize will be awarded in partnership with the U.S. Department of State.
Award Ceremony: The Laureate is honored at the prestigious Laureate Award Ceremony, held at the historic State Capitol in Des Moines, Iowa, during the annual Borlaug Dialogue.
Monetary Prize: The Laureate receives a cash prize of $500,000, recognizing their outstanding contributions to improving global food security.
Recognition and Prestige: Winning the World Food Prize brings international recognition and prestige, highlighting the Laureate's work and impact on global food security and agriculture.
Presentation of Work: The Laureate has the opportunity to present their work at the Borlaug Dialogue, sharing their insights and innovations with a global audience of experts, policymakers and leaders in agriculture and food security.
Media Attention: The Laureate's achievements are publicized through various media channels, increasing awareness of their contributions and potentially attracting further support and collaboration for their initiatives.
Networking Opportunities: The Laureate gains access to a network of past Laureates, influential figures, and organizations in the field of food and agriculture, fostering opportunities for collaboration and furthering their work.
Legacy and Impact: Winning the World Food Prize enhances the Laureate's legacy, cementing their place among the most influential contributors to global food security. Their work continues to inspire and guide future efforts in the field.
Categories to win the World Food Prize include:
- Nutrition/Public Health
- Plant/Seed Science
- Animal Science/ Aquaculture
- Public Policy
- Climate, Soil, Water, and Natural Resource Conservation
- Crop Protection/ Agricultural Technology
- Food Technology, Storage, and Safety
- Economics, Finance, and Markets
- Infrastructure/ Distribution
- Research Administration
- Humanitarian Leadership
Stats
Since 1987, 55 individuals have been awarded the World Food Prize. Of those Laureates, 21 countries are represented from regions spanning the globe.
Africa - Cape Verde, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa
East Asia - China
South Asia - Bangladesh, India
Europe - Belgium, Denmark, Switzerland, Netherlands, United Kingdom
North America - Canada, Mexico, United States
Latin & South America & the Caribbean - Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago
Middle East - Israel
United Nations
19 academic institutions have had more than one Laureate as a student, fellow, faculty, or administrator, including:
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- Harvard University
- Indian Agricultural Research Institute
- Kansas State University
- Michigan State University
- North Carolina State University
- Oxford University
- Punjab Agricultural University
- Purdue University
- Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University
- Stanford University
- Texas A&M University
- University of Arizona
- University of California
- University of Illinois
- University of Massachusetts - Amherst
- University of Sydney
- Wageningen University