Events Mark 100th Birthday of One of World's Most Important, Least-Known Innovators

Who: Norman Borlaug is widely credited with saving 1 billion lives.  Yet most people – even those alive because of him – have never heard of him. 

Known as the father of the "Green Revolution," Borlaug pioneered disease-resistant, high-yield strains of wheat that dramatically increased food production in Mexico, India, Pakistan and other developing nations that were facing mass starvation until he came along.

What:  This week, the agriculture and science communities will celebrate what would have been Borlaug's 100^th birthday.  Events in Washington, DC, and Obregon, Mexico, will highlight Borlaug's legacy and look ahead to new challenges in feeding the world's next billion people.

When:  Tuesday, March 25

Where:

Washington, DC: Unveiling of a statue of Borlaug at the U.S. Capitol.

Washington, DC: USDA Borlaug Centennial Symposium

Ciudad Obregon, Mexico:  Borlaug Summit on Wheat for Food Security                        

Key Facts: 

• Borlaug introduced new wheat varieties in Mexico that led to 600% increases in crop yield over 20 years.
• Helped Pakistan to nearly double wheat production over five years.
• Helped India, South Asian and African countries to dramatically increase food production.
• Recipient of Nobel Peace Prize, Presidential Medal of Freedom, Congressional Gold Medal and Padma Vibhushan (awarded by the president of India).
• Today, Borlaug's contemporaries are focused on addressing new food supply challenges as the population grows from the current 7.2 billion to a projected 9.6 billion by 2050.
• Tools like genetic modification and advanced information technology have joined the breeding techniques pioneered by Borlaug to advance innovation in farming.