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U.S. Rep. Boswell: Boswell introduces House resolution to honor the late Dr. Norman Borlaug
9/15/2009

Contact: Jane Slusark, 202-225-3806 Jane.Slusark@mail.house.gov

Washington , DC – Today, Congressman Leonard Boswell introduced H.Res. 739 to honor the life and achievements of Dr. Norman Borlaug for his contributions to alleviating world hunger following his death on September 12th.

“Dr. Borlaug is one of Iowa’s and the nation’s greatest scientists and humanitarians,” said Boswell, a senior Member of the House Committee on Agriculture. “His contributions in the field of agriculture and his commitment to the human condition are credited to saving one billion from famine and outright starvation around the world.”

Dr. Borlaug’s innovative methods for breeding wheat, rice and other crops brought agricultural self-sufficiency to developing countries worldwide. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970, and was later honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Public Service Medal, the National Academy of Sciences’ highest honor, the Rotary International Award for World Understanding and Peace, and the Congressional Gold Medal.

In 1986, Dr. Borlaug started the World Food Prize, also known as the “Nobel Prize for Food and Agriculture,” which is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. The World Food Prize is sponsored by businessman and philanthropist John Ruan.

Dr. Borlaug was born on his family farm outside Cresco, Iowa, in 1914. He received his B.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota where he was also a star NCAA wrestler. He later taught for over 20 years at TexasA&MUniversity.

H. Res. 739 has 17 original co-sponsors, including Iowa Reps. David Loebsack, Bruce Braley, Tom Latham, and Steve King.

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