Borlaug: It’s Time for a Second Green Revolution

In the years following the end of World War II, a new revolution started. A revolution that transformed agriculture, saved millions of lives and played an important role in the economic growth of many impoverished countries. This Green Revolution introduced high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties of rice, wheat and maize, in addition to new methods of growing and harvesting crops. Norman Borlaug, known as the father of the Green Revolution, now calls upon this generation "to begin a second, more extensive, rebellion against world hunger." The Nobel Peace Prize laureate said that the green revolution hasn't been won yet. He stressed that "developing nations need the help of agricultural scientists, researchers, administrators and others in finding ways to feed ever-growing populations."

Borlaug believes that the Global Food Security Act of 2009, a U.S. legislation that would authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2010 through 2014 to provide assistance to foreign countries to promote food security and improve agricultural productivity, can lead the way in starting a second Green Revolution. He also sees U.S. Land Grant institutions playing important roles in contributing to worldwide food security. Borlaug noted that these institutions "can provide developing countries with technical assistance, educational outreach, improved technology and agricultural practices, scientific training and research, and hands-on instruction."

The Food Security Act, which amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, is now awaiting approval by the U.S. Senate.

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