Jul 26, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – CropLife Foundation (CLF) is proud to sponsor the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST), as it bestows to Dr. Akin Adesina the annual Borlaug CAST Communication Award, in recognition of his contributions to agricultural science. Dr. Adesina, a distinguished scientist and leader, has played a vital role in Africa’s Green Revolution through his commitment to research and working with policymakers. Sponsored by CLF, the Borlaug CAST Communication Award recognizes leaders who are dedicated to furthering research and sharing the accomplishments of modern agriculture. Dr. Adesina will receive the award during CropLife America’s 2010 Annual Meeting on September 25, in Naples, Fla. He will also speak at the 2010 Norman E. Borlaug International Symposium, on Wednesday, October 13 in Des Moines, Iowa, during its annual presentation of the World Food Prize and discussion of international agricultural issues.
Dr. Adesina acts as a tireless advocate and communicator for agricultural research and advancements. Upon earning his Ph.D. in agricultural economics at Purdue University, he has published dozens of scientific papers and speaks regularly on the importance of modern agriculture. He has recognized that “agriculture is the key to poverty reduction and broad-based economic growth in Africa.” Dr. Adesina currently serves as a vice president for the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), where he helps set policy and advises former U.N. Secretary Kofi Annan, the current Chairman of the Board of AGRA.
“Dr. Adesina has dedicated his work to promoting the advancement of agriculture, recognizing the change it can make to societies and economies across the globe, and sharing his discoveries with others,” said Jay Vroom, chairman of the Board of Directors of CLF. “With the Borlaug CAST Communication award, named after the original father of the Green Revolution, we recognize his incredible contributions in keeping the legacy and work of Norman Borlaug alive.”
An addition to his role at AGRA, Dr. Adesina has worked with a number of other organizations to address modern agriculture, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation. Dr. Adesina has won several awards for his work, including the Yara Prize for a Green Revolution in Africa presented in Oslo, Norway.
"Effective communication of scientific information is the heart of CAST's mission,” said Dr. Barbara Glenn, vice president of Science and Regulatory Affairs at CLA. “The crop protection industry thrives on science-based technologies adopted by farmers, so it is critical we recognize Dr. Adesina's success, as he has empowered agricultural science through communication."
The Borlaug CAST Communication Award is dedicated to Dr. Norman Borlaug, author of the first CAST publication in 1973, and to Dr. Charles A. Black, the first president and executive vice president of CAST. The award is presented annually by CAST for outstanding achievement by a scientist, engineer, technologist, or other professional working in the agricultural, environmental, or food sectors and communicating its significance to policymakers, media and the public. Since 1986, CAST has honored 23 outstanding scientists (www.cast-science.org). For more information, visit www.croplifefoundation.org.
Established in 1933, CropLife America (www.croplifeamerica.org) represents the developers, manufacturers, formulators and distributors of plant science solutions for agriculture and pest management in the United States. CropLife America’s member companies produce, sell and distribute virtually all the crop protection and biotechnology products used by American farmers.
