The U.S. National Academy of Sciences announced this month that Norman Borlaug will receive its prestigious Public Welfare Model for his work in agriculture that sparked the Green Revolution.
Borlaug won the Nobel Prize for creating a dwarf variety of wheat that is now regularly planted in countries that previously had difficulties raising enough food to feed their entire population. Stephen Barry, who chaired the selection committee for the prize, said,
Early in his career, Dr. Borlaug realized that food production is basic to human existence in a healthy and peaceful world. People all over the globe are indebted to him and the endless energy he devoted to their most basic needs. Dr. Borlaug continues to advise numerous governments and agencies, yet he keeps his ties to the country and the scientific and educational system that have underpinned his lifelong efforts.
Borlaug spent years creating the hybrids that today play a key role in preventing starvation in much of the world. It is good to see his efforts recognized.
Source:
Norman E. Borlaug To Receive Public Welfare Medal, Academy’s Highest Honor. National Academy of Sciences, Press Release, January 22, 2002.
Green revolutionary wins NAS medal. Larry O’Hanlon, BioMedNet News, January 24, 2002.