[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 84 (Wednesday, June 6, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E987]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL OF ST. LOUIS AND THE DONALD DANFORTH 
      PLANT SCIENCE CENTER AS THE 2012 RECIPIENT OF THE COUNCIL'S 
              INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. W. TODD AKIN

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 6, 2012

  Mr. AKIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the World Affairs 
Council of St. Louis, and to honor the Donald Danforth Plant Science 
Center as the 2012 recipient of the Council's International 
Humanitarian of the Year Award.
  The World Affairs Council of St. Louis is dedicated to educating, 
inspiring, and engaging citizens and businesses in international 
affairs and the critical global issues of our times. It is the oldest 
such organization in St. Louis.
  Each year, the World Affairs Council of St. Louis welcomes more than 
300 visitors to the greater metropolitan area, including leading 
ambassadors and other foreign dignitaries, as well as students from 
around the world. The Council's mission is to promote understanding, 
engagement, relationships, and leadership in world affairs, and it 
connects the citizens of the St. Louis region with the world.
  The Council's International Humanitarian of the Year Award, its 
highest honor, recognizes the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center this 
year for its mission to improve the human condition through crop 
research which centers on feeding the hungry, improving human health 
and preserving the environment. This award specifically recognizes the 
Center's Institute for International Crop Improvement, which aims to 
bring improved crops to small farmers in places such as Uganda, Kenya, 
Nigeria, and Burkina Faso. These crops yield more per acre, are richer 
in essential nutrients, and resistant to disease, insects and drought, 
and they can bring tremendous benefit to small farmers.
  The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center serves as a seed of hope in 
the St. Louis region--applying research to better address malnutrition, 
preserve our environment, and explore novel, sustainable energy 
solutions. The World Affairs Council honors Danforth Center's 
leadership as an essential part of fostering this valuable, 
humanitarian-based research which can impact the lives of farmers and 
citizens in nations throughout the world.
  On June 7, 2012, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center will 
receive the International Humanitarian of the Year Award. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in recognition of this honor.

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