HGB Foundation Provides Research Grant for Biofortified Sorghum
May 13, 2011| |
The Howard G. Buffett Foundation gave a $4 million grant to enable the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center and DuPont to complete efforts to develop biofortified sorghum for Africa. Research work on this crop has been ongoing since 2005. "Improving the nutrition of this staple crop has the potential to change the lives of more than 300 million Africans," said Howard B. Buffet, president of the Foundation. "I have seen first-hand the devastating effects of malnutrition. I have a personal commitment to see that healthier sorghum gets to the people of Africa."
According to the two agencies, the project focuses on "increased zinc and iron bioavailability through phytate reduction, improved protein digestibility and increased pro-vitamin A levels. These key nutrients and micronutrients aid in child development, and reduce rates of diarrhea, pneumonia, malaria, lower respiratory tract infections and curb Vitamin A deficiency, which is the leading cause of acquired blindness in children in the developing world."
Contact bridget.anderson@pioneer.com and mbernds@danforthcenter.org for additional information.
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