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In Borlaug, the ag world lost a ‘true pioneer’

Last week the agricultural world mourned the loss of a true pioneer. Called the “Father of the Green Revolution,” Norman Borlaug not only saved millions of lives but set in motion a process that has changed food production in both the developed and undeveloped world.

The accolades and eulogies that poured in from around the world focused on his scientific accomplishments and how his new seed varieties fed starving people around the world. Yet, there was a side of Borlaug about which few knew. He was just as passionate about farm policy as he was about food production.

While researching a story on Borlaug, I had the good fortune to discover someone who knew him quite well and even worked with him on some of his groundbreaking research. Lowell Hardin is the former head of the Purdue Ag econ department and, for a time, worked with the Ford Foundation which funded much of Borlaug’s work.

He described Borlaug as a man with an insatiable curiosity and an Iowa farm boy work ethic. Borlaug did not just direct his work; he did much of his own work. He also taught those who worked with him so his research could spread faster.

According to Hardin, in addition to his desire to feed hungry people, Borlaug also had a passion for the government policies in the countries where he worked.

He believed that all the science in the world would not work if there was not the right policy to support it. He believed that governments should provide incentives for farmers to adopt new technology and increase food production.

Harden said that Borlaug felt the best incentive was a profitable price. He reasoned if a farmer could raise a crop and receive a profitable price for it, he would keep doing it.

Unfortunately, most of the governments with which Borlaug worked did not adopt this philosophy. Today the governments of many of the world’s poorest nations, who could most benefit from the latest food production technology, ban the use of these crops. What is even more egregious is that rich, well-fed nations like Britain and France, support the anti-biotechnology policy of these nations.
While Borlaug’s work did not involve biotechnology he was a supporter of the new science, said Hardin. Borlaug said the issue was feeding hungry people and that science should be used toward that end. Borlaug established the World Food Prize which every year recognizes some of the most important advances in food production. It has helped foster the continued use of science to increase the quality, safety, and quantity of the food the world grows.

Borlaug started the Green Revolution, but it continues today as science continues to boost food production, develop new fibers and fuels, and discover new ways to make food production more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Yet, government policy and political activism stand in the way of developing the full potential of these new tools.

Agriculture can feed the world, clothe the world, and be an energy source for the world - but only if government policy supports farmers and the science behind modern agriculture.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Gary Truitt may write to him in care of this publication.

9/23/2009