Inspired by Borlaug's impact

October 16, 2024 — "Norman E. Borlaug Day" in Minnesota

This is a special day to celebrate Norman Borlaug, PhD, who was educated and inspired while at the University of Minnesota. He was immersed in an atmosphere that fostered and demanded excellence. He was exposed to world-class faculty and alumni and made many lifelong friendships. His Minnesota connections and bonds often facilitated his seven-decade long endeavors to combat world hunger. Many University graduates followed him into international agriculture, and more than a dozen worked directly for him. He and his team of scientists and farmers are credited as being seminal in mankind’s greatest achievement in the age-old struggle against hunger — the "Green Revolution."

Borlaug was many things; a plant pathologist/breeder, a teacher of scientists, a scientific collaborator and a team builder. His unique teaching and training methods for young scientists became part of the template for series of global crop improvement centers that undergird the world’s food supply to this day. Later in life he was a statesman, a vocal and tireless advocate for those who have no voice — the world’s rural poor. During his lifetime he received unprecedented numbers of honors, awards and accolades.

October 28, 2024 — Attend the annual Borlaug Memorial Lecture

The annual Borlaug Memorial Lecture commemorates the contributions University of Minnesota alumnus Dr. Norman Borlaug made to fighting world hunger and celebrates those who follow in Dr. Borlaug's footsteps.

The 18th Annual Borlaug Memorial Lecture will be held on Monday, October 28, 2024 at 3:30 PM CT on the University of Minnesota, St. Paul Campus.  RSVP to attend in person or join via zoom.

Complete this form to receive notifications of the next lecture.

October 29 - November 1, 2024 — Global Youth Institute

In May, CFANS hosted the Minnesota Youth Institute (MNYI), which challenges high school students to solve local and global food security issues by connecting agriculture, science, health, economics, policy, social justice, and more. High school students from across the state participated in immersive experiences while having the opportunity to network with research and industry leaders, plus gain hands-on exposure in a variety of fields.

Twelve of those Minnesota students are headed to the Global Youth Institute, which brings together nearly 200 high school students across the world and international leaders in the field of agriculture to discuss current issues in food security. Discussions take place during the International Borlaug Dialogue panels and in small group activities at the Hall of Laureates in Des Moines, Iowa. Students will also have an opportunity to present their papers in groups of about 10 students and 3 experts. On the last day, student cohorts are tasked with a global challenge, then come to a consensus on the key issues of the day and offer their recommendations to the large group. Congratulations to all of the student participants!