Who is credited with saving more lives than anyone in history “one billion lives” and has been called one of the 20th century’s ten greatest contributors to humankind?
Need a hint? He’s in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Another one? He’s the winner of the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize.
More? He threw out the first pitch at Fenway Park on June 9, 2004.
For over half a century, Dr. Norman Borlaug has fought to keep poverty and hunger at bay. Known as “The Father of the Green Revolution” Borlaug is best known for his hybrid wheat and modern agricultural techniques, but his success is largely related to his work as an educator and policy maker. Dr. Borlaug grew up on a farm near Cresco, Iowa, never forgetting the lessons of the farm, or the strong influence his grandfather had on his education.
Surrounded by the rich soil and the green of Iowa, it’s hard to imagine, or understand, how anyone could need more food. Yet world hunger is not abstract, or untamable: fifteen years ago, 30,000 people were dying from hunger each day; twenty years ago, it was 40,000 people. Advances in the war against hunger are being made.
“I personally cannot live comfortably in the midst of abject hunger and poverty and human misery, if I have the possibility of doing something about improving the lives of these many young children.” -Norman Borlaug
“We cannot choose between feeding malnourished children and saving endangered wild species. Without higher yields, peasant farmers will destroy the wild lands and species to keep their children from starving. Sustainably higher yields of crops and trees are the only visible way to save both.” -Norman Borlaug
If people want to believe that the organic food has better nutritive value, it’s up to them to make that foolish decision. But there’s absolutely no research that shows that organic foods provide better nutrition. As far as plants are concerned, they can’t tell whether that nitrate ion comes from artificial chemicals, or from decomposed organic matter. If some consumers believe that it’s better from the point of view of their health to have organic food, God bless them. Let them buy it. Let them pay a bit more. It’s a free society. But don’t tell the world that we can feed the present population without chemical fertilizer. That’s when this misinformation becomes destructive. -Norman Borlaug
The Foundation recognizes Dr. Borlaug’s contributions to the world with a primary goal of reaching American K-12 schools, colleges and communities informing them of his work and values. Through the Borlaug Residency Program, students and communities are encouraged to serve humankind with the same convictions and tenacity that has served Dr. Borlaug throughout his life.
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