[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 129 (Monday, September 14, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF NORMAN BORLAUG

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                          HON. RUBEN HINOJOSA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 14, 2009

  Mr. HINOJOSA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of 
Dr. Norman Borlaug, who passed away on September 12, 2009 at the age of 
95. Dr. Borlaug combated world hunger on a global scale by 
revolutionizing the science of agriculture. He developed and introduced 
high-yield, disease resistant crops and innovative agricultural 
techniques, which he then spread throughout the globe. These 
innovations started the ``Green Revolution,'' which allowed the world's 
food supply to keep up with the growth in population. Through his work, 
he saved hundreds of millions of lives from hunger and starvation. His 
life is testament to the extraordinary change one person can make. He 
was a Great American and our world shall forever benefit from his 
life's work.
  Dr. Borlaug was born on a farm near Cresco, Iowa in 1914. He studied 
forestry and plant pathology at the University of Minnesota and 
completed his doctorate in 1942. Dr. Borlaug led a distinguished career 
that spanned more than 60 years. Much of his work was done in Mexico at 
Centro Internacional de Mejormientao de Maiz y Trigo, or the 
International Maize and Wheat Center. In 1984 he began teaching as a 
Distinguished Professor of International Agriculture at Texas A&M--
College Station. Throughout his life he continued to teach and inspire 
new generations of scientists and farmers. Agriculture in the 15th 
Congressional District of Texas and throughout the state has benefitted 
greatly from Dr. Borlaug's contributions.
  Dr. Borlaug transformed the way the world feeds its population. The 
exponential growth in crop yields created stability and prosperity in 
nations that were struggling to feed its citizenry. Dr. Borlaug's 
ultimate legacy is one of world peace, which he achieved through 
ensuring that a basic human need was provided for throughout the world.
  We offer our deepest condolences to Dr. Borlaug's friends and family: 
his daughter Jennie Borlaug Laube, his son, William Gibson Borlaug, and 
his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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