#BorlaugBlog
For 30 years, the World Food Prize has worked to build on the legacy of Dr. Norman Borlaug, the man who saved a billion lives, by recognizing the achievements of individuals who have advanced human development by improving the quality, quantity or availability of food in the world. Our Laureates, our close partners, and our staff work tirelessly to alleviate hunger through innovative approaches, and we hope to share their expertise, research, and personal stories on The Borlaug Blog.
In the Borlaug Blog, we will occasionally post a blog featuring stories, research, and expert opinion from our Laureates, partners, youth representatives and staff. It is our hope that this blog series will create a conversation between farmers, NGOs, CEOs and people across the globe.
Youth Voices: The First Few Days - Finding my way around EARTH
By Lily Hestjean posted on
06/10/2024
at 1:05 PM
Hi! My name is Lily Hestjean, and I’m thrilled to call myself the 2024 Borlaug-Ruan Intern at EARTH University this summer. In this first blog post, I want to share with you my first moments in Costa Rica and at EARTH as I navigate EARTH (I won’t lie, I did...
Youth Voices: Life happens right now - Reflections from my first 24 hours in India
By Calla Doh posted on
06/03/2024
at 1:52 PM
I have a riddle for you all.
What is something fundamental to the nature of our universe and our human experience, yet is seemingly impossible to define?
Time.
Time is a funny concept. It’s not exactly a dimension, because unlike space, we can’t move freely through time as we please: no matter what...
Youth Voices: Arriving at CIP Kenya
By Vivien Huang posted on
05/29/2024
at 11:32 AM
I arrived at Nairobi near midnight after enduring a marathon 22-hour connecting flight. Yet, stepping out of Jomo Kenyatta Airport, the tiredness melted away as Is potted the familiar CIP logo held high on a placard with my name. I am kindly hosted by Dr. Joyce Maru, who warmly welcomed...
Youth Voices: 13477 km from New York
By Kayla Sohn posted on
05/29/2024
at 11:10 AM
My whole body is aching. I feel as if every bone in my body is displaced as I desperately reach my leg out to feel some relief. I am met with more pain as I flex my feet in circular motions. The person beside me shifts in his seat and...
Turning recognition into action: The World Food Prize impact
By Emily Boyden posted on
04/17/2023
at 3:02 PM
People told Dr. Cynthia Rosenzweig her life would change because she won the World Food Prize, but she was still surprised at the impact it has had – on professional and personal fronts.
“It does indeed change your life in an absolutely fantastic way,” said Rosenzweig, 2022 World Food Prize...
Opening Doors to Food Policy Change: Per Pinstrup-Andersen's World Food Prize Journey
By Jackie Negro posted on
04/05/2023
at 10:19 AM
When he accepted the World Food Prize in 2001, Danish economist Per Pinstrup-Andersen expressed his hope for new opportunities to end human suffering.
“I will use those opportunities to the best of my knowledge and the best of my ability,” he said.
Since then, he has been on a path to...
From Farm to World Food Prize: Robert Mwanga's Path from Sweet Potato Breeder to Global Advocate
By Jackie Negro posted on
03/14/2023
at 2:26 PM
From growing up on a farm in a remote village in Uganda to winning the World Food Prize, Dr. Robert Mwanga’s career has been one of using innovation and education to better nourish the world. While a student, he became interested in the unique challenge of producing more nutrient-dense crops...
Learning from George Washington Carver
By Kyle Poorman and Natalie Bidner posted on
02/27/2023
at 11:22 AM
On February 1, Iowa celebrated the inaugural George Washington Carver day in honor of the world renowned agricultural innovator and educator whose focus never wavered from empowering those around him.
It was an honor to celebrate Carver’s legacy on February 1 alongside our partners at Iowa State University and in tandem...
Four steps the Iowa Legislature can take to end hunger
By Kyle Poorman and Jon Wogman posted on
01/13/2023
at 10:44 AM
As we begin 2023 and a new General Assembly of the Iowa Legislature, Iowans are experiencing record levels of hunger.
This need is well-documented in recent reports of increased demand for emergency food aid due to an end to pandemic-era relief programs, inflation and rising food costs. Addressing immediate needs is...
U.S. Government officials make new food and agriculture commitments at the Borlaug Dialogue
By Emily Boyden posted on
12/20/2022
at 9:23 AM
Food and agriculture account for one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions and governments have a key role to play in developing sustainable food systems.
U.S. officials outlined their plans for how to do so at the national and international level during the 2022 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue in Des...