GLOBAL HONOR: World Food Prize Awarded

The 2012 World Food Prize was handed out Thursday night at the Iowa State Capitol.

This year the award was presented to Dr. Daniel Hillel. Dr. Hillel pioneered the process of micro-irrigation, which allows plants to grow in dry, arid regions.

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who spoke at the event, says that’s something Iowa farmers are learning how to do now following this year’s drought, which has had a global impact.  

“Iowa is that important. Iowa nourishes the world. The current crisis however is different. We have learned important lessons. More countries have put safety nets in place, there has been less panic buying and fewer trade restrictions. Nations are also investing more in agriculture and strengthening international cooperation,” says Ki-moon.