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World Food Prize Laureate Heidi Kühn will dig into peace-building work in exclusive interview
Get to know the 2023 World Food Prize Laureate, Heidi Kühn, when the World Food Prize Foundation premieres its 2023 Live with the Laureate program virtually on June 27 at noon U.S. Central Time.
Kühn, who will receive the 2023 World Food Prize for her farmer-focused development model that revitalizes farmland, food security and livelihoods after devastating conflict, will be interviewed by Emmy award-winning TV journalist Cheryl Jennings.
“We are excited to provide this opportunity for the public to learn more about our 2023 World Food Prize Laureate Heidi Kühn and her incredible work restoring farmland and communities in post-conflict areas around the world,” said Ambassador Terry Branstad, President of the World Food Prize Foundation.
During Live with the Laureate, Kühn will discuss the work of her nonprofit organization, Roots of Peace, which she founded in 1997 to replace remnants of war and restore the land to agricultural uses with the planting of millions of grapevines and fruit trees.
Kühn and Roots of Peace began building peace through agriculture 25 years ago by partnering with wineries in her home state of California to raise funds to remove landmines in Croatia and replant vineyards and orchards. She has since worked in nine countries, including current projects in Afghanistan and Vietnam, and is exploring starting a program in Ukraine.
“Heidi Kühn has been a visionary in her approach to agricultural regeneration in war-torn areas,” said World Food Prize Foundation Chief Operating Officer Mashal Husain. “Her work shows the world the vital role agriculture can have in the resilient recovery from conflict and restoration of peace.”
Those interested in attending the virtual premiere can register online. The interview will also be available to view on demand after the program.
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About the World Food Prize Foundation: The World Food Prize Foundation elevates innovations and inspires action to sustainably increase the quality, quantity and availability of food for all. The Foundation supports this through a variety of innovative programs year-round, including by: 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, recognizing and empowering students 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.