Norman Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application 2026

Algeria
Agriculture
Food Safe
Innovation Awards

The World Food Prize Foundation is calling for nominations for the 2026 Norman Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application, endowed by The Rockefeller Foundation.

The award recognises exceptional, science-based achievements in international agriculture and food production by individuals under the age of 40 who are actively working to address global hunger, poverty, food security, nutrition, and sustainable agricultural development.

The award honours individuals who demonstrate outstanding field-based research, innovation, leadership, and practical application of agricultural science while working directly with farmers, fishers, animal herders, rural communities, and food production stakeholders across the agricultural value chain.

The recipient will receive:

  • USD 10,000 award prize
  • International recognition through the World Food Prize Foundation
  • Participation in the World Food Prize Week events in Des Moines, Iowa, USA
  • Global visibility within the international agriculture and food security ecosystem

Deadline

  • Nomination deadline: 1 June 2026

Eligible Countries

  • Open internationally
  • Nominations are accepted globally

Who Can Be Nominated?

Eligible nominees must:

  • Be under the age of 40 before World Food Day (16 October 2026)
  • Be actively engaged in agricultural research, food production, nutrition, or food systems work
  • Demonstrate measurable impact in international agriculture or food security
  • Be working directly in the field or at production, processing, or distribution level
  • Be affiliated with public institutions, research organisations, NGOs, private sector organisations, universities, development agencies, or related entities

Areas of Work Supported

The award supports impactful work across the food production and agricultural value chain, including:

  • Agricultural research
  • Food production systems
  • Nutrition and food security
  • Sustainable farming
  • Animal science
  • Plant science
  • Food science
  • Agricultural innovation
  • Rural development
  • Agricultural extension services
  • Community-based food systems initiatives

Selection Criteria

Nominees will be evaluated based on qualities and achievements reflecting the legacy of Dr. Norman Borlaug, including:

  • Persistence and resilience in challenging environments
  • Scientific innovation and problem-solving
  • Cross-cultural communication and stakeholder engagement
  • Rigorous research and evidence-based impact
  • Extension of agricultural technologies to underserved communities
  • Education and training of rural stakeholders
  • Practical application of improved agricultural systems
  • Leadership in collaborative agricultural programmes
  • Demonstrated impact on food availability, nutrition, and poverty reduction

Important Restrictions and Conditions

  • Self-nominations are not accepted
  • Nominations must be submitted in English
  • The award is generally presented to one individual only
  • Communication with jury members or The Rockefeller Foundation regarding nominations may lead to disqualification
  • Selected recipients are required to attend the award ceremony and World Food Prize Week events in Des Moines, Iowa

Nomination Requirements

Nominations must include:

  • A nomination statement (maximum 3000 words)
  • Details of the nominee’s work, achievements, and impact
  • Explanation of how the nominee reflects Dr. Borlaug’s field-based approach
  • Nominee CV or résumé including date of birth
  • One nomination letter
  • Two supporting letters
  • A professional headshot photograph
  • Optional action photos of the nominee at work

Selection Process

Nominations will be reviewed by an independent international jury of agricultural experts appointed by the World Food Prize Foundation.

The recipient is expected to:

  • Attend the award ceremony
  • Participate in media and official World Food Prize Week events
  • Engage with the global agriculture and food security community

Travel, accommodation, and related expenses for the award recipient will be covered by the World Food Prize Foundation.

Announcement Timeline

  • Award recipient announcement: August/September 2026
  • Award presentation: October 2026 during World Food Prize Week in Des Moines, Iowa, USA

Click HERE to visit the official website 

Closing date
Industry
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
​Other service activities
Website link
https://www.worldfoodprize.org/en/nominations/borlaug_field_award/borlaug_field_award_nomination_procedure/