Entries open for Borlaug Field Award

The Borlaug Field Award recognizes an outstanding individual under 40 for exceptional, science-based achievements in international agriculture and food production that advance the fight against global hunger and poverty. The award honors persistence, innovation, leadership, and real-world impact, particularly through research, extension, and education in challenging environments. The recipient receives USD 10,000 to support ongoing field-based work and is honored during World Food Prize Week in October.

Award Overview

The Borlaug Field Award is a prestigious international honor recognizing exceptional, science-driven achievement in agriculture and food production.

Named in the spirit of Dr. Norman Borlaug’s legacy, the award celebrates individuals who demonstrate intellectual courage, stamina, and determination in addressing global hunger, poverty, and malnutrition through practical, field-based solutions.

The award is presented annually by the World Food Prize Foundation, typically to one individual, with rare exceptions for extraordinary collaborative achievements.

Purpose and Core Values of the Award

The Borlaug Field Award places strong emphasis on applied science and real-world impact.

Key values and focus areas include:

• Persistence and a sustained “never give up” approach

• Innovation in addressing food security and nutrition challenges

• Rigorous scientific research and evidence-based solutions

• Extension and communication of knowledge to farmers and consumers

• Hands-on education, leadership, and community engagement

• Tangible impact on food availability, nutrition, and livelihoods

The award specifically recognizes work conducted in challenging or underserved environments.

What the Award Supports

The Borlaug Field Award supports professionals who bridge science and practice.

Recognized contributions often involve:

• Translating agricultural research into field-level application

• Extending technologies and practices to smallholder or underserved farmers

• Improving food production systems and nutritional outcomes

• Working effectively across cultures, disciplines, and institutions

• Demonstrating long-term commitment to hunger reduction and rural revitalization

The award highlights sustained effort and measurable outcomes rather than short-term success.

Award Amount and Benefits

The Borlaug Field Award provides:

• USD 10,000 in funding

• Financial support for the recipient’s ongoing field research and application work

• Global recognition through the World Food Prize platform

• Participation in World Food Prize events and networking opportunities

The funding is intended to directly support continued impact in the field.

Who Is Eligible?

Age Requirement

Nominees must:

• Be under the age of 40 by World Food Day (October 16) in the year the award is presented

Age eligibility is strictly applied.

Professional Engagement

Eligible nominees must:

• Be actively engaged in the work for which they are being recognized

• Demonstrate sustained commitment and measurable impact

• Work in international agriculture, food production, or related fields

Institutional Affiliation

Nominees may be affiliated with:

• Public or private educational institutions

• Research organizations

• Development or humanitarian organizations

Affiliation type does not limit eligibility, provided the work aligns with the award’s mission.

Repeat Eligibility

Nominees may remain eligible for consideration in future years if:

• Age requirements continue to be met

• Award criteria remain satisfied

Who Can Submit a Nomination?

Nominations may be submitted by:

• Any individual with direct knowledge of the nominee’s work

• Organizations familiar with the nominee’s achievements

Organizational nominations must be signed by an executive officer.

Self-nominations are not accepted.

Nominators are expected to provide concrete, evidence-based examples linking the nominee’s work to the award criteria.

Nomination Requirements

A complete nomination package includes:

• A concise nomination statement of up to 3,000 words detailing the nominee’s work and impact

• The nominee’s curriculum vitae or resume

• One formal nomination letter

• Two additional letters of support

• Photographic documentation, including:

  • One professional headshot

  • Optional action photos demonstrating fieldwork or impact

Incomplete or weakly substantiated nominations are unlikely to be competitive.

How the Selection Process Works

1. Nominations are submitted by qualified nominators

2. An independent international jury appointed by the World Food Prize Foundation reviews all submissions

3. Nominees are evaluated on impact, innovation, scientific rigor, leadership, and persistence

4. One recipient is selected, with rare exceptions for joint awards

The selection process emphasizes real-world results and long-term contribution.

Important Dates and Timeline

• Nomination period: Opens annually (specific deadlines vary)

• Award announcement: August or September

• Award presentation: World Food Prize Week, mid-October

• Key reference date: World Food Day, October 16

The award ceremony takes place in Des Moines, Iowa.

Award Ceremony and Participation Requirements

The award recipient is required to:

• Attend the Borlaug Field Award ceremony

• Participate in World Food Prize Week events

Travel, lodging, and meals related to the award events are fully provided by the organizers.

Why the Borlaug Field Award Matters

The Borlaug Field Award plays a vital role in:

• Elevating young leaders making tangible progress against hunger and poverty

• Encouraging applied science and innovation in agriculture

• Highlighting field-based solutions with global relevance

• Inspiring the next generation of agricultural scientists and practitioners

By recognizing persistence and impact, the award reinforces the importance of science-driven action in global food systems.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Nominations

Nominators should avoid:

• Submitting generic descriptions without measurable outcomes

• Focusing only on academic achievements without field impact

• Missing required documentation or letters of support

• Failing to clearly link achievements to hunger and nutrition outcomes

• Overlooking the importance of leadership and extension work

Strong nominations clearly connect science, application, and real-world results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Borlaug Field Award?

It is an international award recognizing exceptional, science-based achievements in agriculture and food production by individuals under 40.

How much funding does the award provide?

The award includes USD 10,000 to support the recipient’s ongoing fieldwork.

Who is eligible for nomination?

Individuals under 40 who are actively engaged in impactful work related to international agriculture, food security, and nutrition.

Can someone nominate themselves?

No. Self-nominations are not accepted.

How many people receive the award each year?

The award is generally presented to one individual, with rare exceptions.

Who selects the award recipient?

An independent international jury appointed by the World Food Prize Foundation.

Does the recipient need to attend the award ceremony?

Yes. Attendance and participation in World Food Prize Week events are required, with all related costs covered.

Conclusion

The Borlaug Field Award honors young professionals who exemplify scientific excellence, resilience, and leadership in the global fight against hunger and poverty. By recognizing individuals who turn research into action and sustain impact in challenging environments, the award continues Dr. Norman Borlaug’s legacy of science in service of humanity.