[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 133 (Wednesday, October 19, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2124-E2125]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          WORLD FOOD PRIZE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARTIN OLAV SABO

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 19, 2005

  Mr. SABO. Mr. Speaker, as people around the globe observe World Food 
Prize Day, I am honored to recognize Norman E. Borlaug, a man who 
worked wonders to boost agricultural production and helped reverse 
widespread hunger in many countries.
  A former University of Minnesota instructor, Borlaug is also an 
alumnus, having earned his bachelor's, master's and Ph.D. there. 
Borlaug grew up on a farm, and became impassioned about the prospect of 
combating a wheat disease called rust late into his studies for his 
bachelor's degree. After 10 years of research, Borlaug developed a 
semidwarf variety of wheat that resisted rust and other diseases, was 
insensitive to light so that it could grow in a variety of climates, 
and was short and stalky enough to be heavily fertilized.
  In time, he would become known as the Father of the Green Revolution.
  By taking his wheat variety to Mexico in 1944, the country became 
self-sufficient in wheat production by 1956. By 1963, more than 95% of 
Mexico's wheat lands grew Borlaug's variety.
  He took his success to other countries, notably India and Pakistan, 
reversing food shortages and helping to feed millions of people. He 
went on to train agronomists from every part of the world.
  Borlaug was often warned that small farmers would never accept new 
technology. But he did not accept that judgment and worked tirelessly 
in the fields to earn trust, make doubters into believers, and change 
agriculture practices.
  Borlaug also clearly understood that small peasant farmers needed 
more than improved farming production to be successful. Helpful 
economic policy had to exist to support the new technology, make the 
needed products available, and ensure fair grain prices. He has focused 
much time and energy to improve food distribution within countries, as 
well.
  ``If you don't do anything, you'll never have critics,'' Borlaug was 
known to have said. Although people questioned his technology or 
criticized it, it is believed that he saved more lives than any other 
person who has ever lived. He has also been called a ``peaceful 
revolutionary'' and a ``consultant to governments of every political 
ideology.''
  Borlaug won the esteemed Nobel Peace Prize in 1970. In 2002, he 
received the National Academy of Science's highest honor, the Public 
Welfare Medal, for his work to fight hunger. He is the recipient of 
more than 49 honorary doctoral degree and many scientific and civic 
awards from around the globe. Because there was no similar award 
recognizing advancement in food production, Borlaug helped found the 
World Food Prize, celebrated yearly in October.
  Mr. Speaker, as my home state celebrates Norman Borlaug Day and World 
Food Prize Day on October 16, I wish to extend my most humble gratitude 
and congratulations to this tireless and dedicated public servant. 
Norman Borlaug saw an opportunity to better lives, and he fought for 
it. He has spent a lifetime working to help countries adapt practices 
and policies to help them feed their people.

[[Page E2125]]

  Thank you, Norman Borlaug. This nation--and many nations--thank you.

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