Norman Borlaug Quotes

A collection of quotes by Norman Borlaug.

Norman Borlaug (1914-2009), an American agronomist and humanitarian, is often referred to as the "Father of the Green Revolution." He was born in Cresco, Iowa, and grew up on a farm in a rural setting. Borlaug's interest in agriculture led him to pursue a career in agronomy and plant genetics.

Borlaug's groundbreaking research in the mid-20th century focused on developing disease-resistant and high-yield varieties of wheat, aiming to alleviate hunger and increase food production in developing nations. His work involved extensive field trials and crossbreeding techniques, resulting in the development of new wheat strains that were highly productive and adaptable.

In the 1960s, Borlaug's efforts in Mexico successfully led to the "Mexican wheat miracle," where wheat production increased dramatically, making the country self-sufficient in food production. This achievement caught the attention of the international community, and Borlaug's methods were later implemented in various countries, improving agricultural productivity and helping stave off mass starvation.

For his unparalleled contributions to agriculture and ending hunger, Norman Borlaug received numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970. Throughout his lifetime, he remained dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture and combating world hunger. His work continues to inspire scientists and policymakers to find innovative solutions to global food security challenges. Norman Borlaug's legacy serves as a reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on shaping a better world.

Almost certainly, however, the first essential component of

Almost certainly, however, the first essential component of social justice is adequate food for all mankind.

Norman Borlaug

Food

Without food, man can live at most but a few weeks without i

Without food, man can live at most but a few weeks without it, all other components of social justice are meaningless.

Norman Borlaug

Food

Yet food is something that is taken for granted by most worl

Yet food is something that is taken for granted by most world leaders despite the fact that more than half of the population of the world is hungry.

Norman Borlaug

Food

Food is the moral right of all who are born into this world.

Food is the moral right of all who are born into this world.

Norman Borlaug

Food

Man's survival, from the time of Adam and Eve until the inve

Man's survival, from the time of Adam and Eve until the invention of agriculture, must have been precarious because of his inability to ensure his food supply.

Norman Borlaug

Food

Civilization as it is known today could not have evolved, no

Civilization as it is known today could not have evolved, nor can it survive, without an adequate food supply.

Norman Borlaug

Food

Nevertheless, the number of farmers, small as well as large,

Nevertheless, the number of farmers, small as well as large, who are adopting the new seeds and new technology is increasing very rapidly, and the increase in numbers during the past three years has been phenomenal.

Norman Borlaug

Technology

I am but one member of a vast team made up of many organizat

I am but one member of a vast team made up of many organizations, officials, thousands of scientists, and millions of farmers - mostly small and humble - who for many years have been fighting a quiet, oftentimes losing war on the food production front.

Norman Borlaug

Food

Therefore I feel that the aforementioned guiding principle m

Therefore I feel that the aforementioned guiding principle must be modified to read: If you desire peace, cultivate justice, but at the same time cultivate the fields to produce more bread otherwise there will be no peace.

Norman Borlaug

Peace

For, behind the scenes, halfway around the world in Mexico,

For, behind the scenes, halfway around the world in Mexico, were two decades of aggressive research on wheat that not only enabled Mexico to become self-sufficient with respect to wheat production but also paved the way to rapid increase in its production in other countries.

Norman Borlaug

Respect

Man seems to insist on ignoring the lessons available from h

Man seems to insist on ignoring the lessons available from history.

Norman Borlaug

History