The World Food Prize stands as the premier international award recognizing individuals who have made exceptional contributions to improving the world food supply. It acknowledges achievements that enhance the quantity, quality, availability of, and access to food for all, addressing critical issues within the global food system. This prestigious award celebrates those whose creative interventions have had a demonstrable impact on human development through advancements across the entire spectrum of food production and distribution.
The scope of achievements recognized by the World Food Prize is broad and encompasses various critical domains within the world food landscape. These fields include, but are not limited to:
- Soil and Land Management: Innovations in soil health, sustainable land use, and agricultural practices that enhance productivity.
- Plant and Animal Science: Breakthroughs in crop and livestock breeding, genetics, and agricultural biotechnology leading to higher yields and improved nutritional value.
- Food Science and Technology: Advancements in food processing, preservation, packaging, and storage technologies that ensure food safety and reduce post-harvest losses.
- Nutrition: Discoveries and programs that improve human nutrition, address micronutrient deficiencies, and promote healthy diets worldwide.
- Rural Development: Initiatives that foster economic growth and improve livelihoods in rural communities, recognizing their vital role in food production.
- Marketing and Food Distribution: Efficient and equitable systems for marketing and distributing food, ensuring access for all populations.
- Water and Environmental Sustainability: Sustainable water management practices in agriculture and environmental conservation efforts that support long-term food security.
- Infrastructure and Transportation: Development of physical infrastructure and transportation networks that facilitate the movement of food from farm to table.
- Social Programs and Poverty Elimination: Effective social programs and poverty reduction strategies that improve food access and affordability for vulnerable populations.
- Economics, Finance, and Policy: Sound economic policies, financial innovations, and policy analysis that support sustainable and equitable food systems.
- Public Advocacy and Awareness: Efforts to raise public awareness and advocate for policies that promote food security and address global hunger.
For an achievement to be considered for the World Food Prize, it must meet several rigorous criteria, demonstrating a significant and measurable impact on world food security. Key aspects of the nomination criteria include:
- Demonstrable Increase in Food Security: The nominee’s achievement must have demonstrably increased the quantity, quality, availability, or accessibility of food for a substantial number of people. This impact should be clearly linked to their specific contributions.
- Quantifiable Impact: The positive impact of the achievement must be measurable and quantifiable, evidenced by reductions in poverty, hunger, or suffering, or improvements in health, nutrition, and overall well-being. Concrete data and evidence are essential to support the nomination.
- Direct Result of Nominee’s Actions: It must be unequivocally clear that the improvement in food security is a direct consequence of the nominee’s specific actions and accomplishments. The nomination should articulate how the nominee’s work was indispensable to achieving the demonstrated impact.
- Nominee’s Availability and Health: Nominees must be living and in good health to participate in the World Food Prize Award Ceremony, deliver an acceptance speech, and engage in related media and youth programs. This ensures the laureate can actively contribute to promoting world food security.
- Individual Achievement Primarily Recognized: The prize is typically awarded to an individual. However, in exceptional cases where collaboration has been indispensable, joint nominations may be considered. Such nominations must convincingly demonstrate the essential contribution of each individual and that the achievement would not have been possible without their combined efforts. The World Food Prize Selection Committee makes the final determination on joint nominations.
Nominations for the World Food Prize are open to individuals from any background and nationality who have made significant contributions to any aspect of the world food system. To submit a nomination, please use this form. The deadline for nominations is May 1st each year.
Click below to access the nomination criteria in multiple languages: العربية 中文 Français 日本語 Português Русский Español Kiswahili
For any inquiries regarding the World Food Prize and the nomination process, please contact Ellen Franzenburg, World Food Prize Foundation Director of Awards and Lectures at [email protected].
The World Food Prize serves as a crucial platform to recognize and celebrate individuals dedicated to addressing world food challenges and ensuring food security for all. By highlighting their accomplishments, the Prize inspires further innovation and action towards creating a sustainable and equitable global food system.
