Call for Nominations: The World Food Prize 2026 $500,000 International Award for Advancing Global Food Security

The World Food Prize, often referred to as the “Nobel Prize for Food and Agriculture,” is now inviting nominations for its 2026 Laureate. Established in 1986 by Dr. Norman E. Borlaug—Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and father of the Green Revolution—the Prize honors individuals who have made outstanding, measurable contributions to improving the quality, quantity, availability, or accessibility of food worldwide.

The World Food Prize recognizes achievements across the entire food system, regardless of nationality, race, religion, or political belief.

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About the Prize

Each year, the Prize awards $500,000 to an individual whose work has significantly advanced human development by enhancing global food security. The honor spans all fields related to the food supply, including:

• Plant, animal, and soil science
• Food science & technology
• Nutrition
• Agricultural development
• Water & environment
• Natural resource conservation
• Marketing, processing & distribution
• Food policy, economics & public advocacy
• Rural development & poverty reduction
• Infrastructure, transport, storage
• Humanitarian feeding programs

The Laureate is announced in the spring and formally honored in October, on or around UN World Food Day, at a ceremony in the Iowa State Capitol, Des Moines. Laureates receive a bronze sculpture by the renowned artist Saul Bass.

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Nomination Criteria

A successful nomination must demonstrate:

1. A Specific, Exceptional Achievement

The nominee must have made a single, significant, and measurable contribution that directly improved food security for large populations.

2. Proven, Documented Impact

The achievement must show:

• Measurable increases in food quantity, quality, or accessibility
• Reduced hunger, poverty, or malnutrition
• Improved health, nutrition, or quality of life

3. Direct Causality

It must be clear that without the nominee’s work, the positive impact would not have occurred.

4. Eligibility

Nominees must:

• Be living and in good health
• Be able to attend the Award Ceremony, deliver an acceptance speech, and participate in media events and youth programming

5. Individual Award (In Most Cases)

The Prize is typically awarded to one person; joint nominations must demonstrate indispensable collaboration.

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Eligible Nominators

Nominations may be submitted by:

• Academic institutions
• Public or private organizations
• Government agencies

Self-nominations are not accepted. Individuals may prepare nominations but must submit through an eligible institution.

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Required Nomination Documents

Submitted through the online nomination portal, the following materials are required:

1. Nominator Information

• Name, position, organization
• Contact details
• Endorsement by a senior official

2. Nominee Information

• Name, current position, contact info
• Date/country of birth, citizenship
• 150-word synopsis of achievement

3. Uploaded Documents

• Nominee CV
• Nominee photograph
• Statement of Achievement (max 2 pages)
• Statement of Impact (max 2 pages, with quantitative evidence)
• Nominator endorsement letter
• Two seconding letters
• Up to 5 supporting documents (news coverage, reports, publications)

Documents must be submitted in PDF or Word format.

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Evaluation & Selection Process

The World Food Prize Selection Committee—comprising leading experts in agriculture, nutrition, food systems, and environmental science—reviews all complete nominations.

Key considerations include:

• Number of people impacted
• Depth and longevity of impact
• Difficulty of problem addressed
• Ingenuity and determination of the nominee
• Contribution to peace, cross-border collaboration, and global equity

Committee deliberations remain confidential. Final approval is issued by the Foundation’s Board of Directors and Council of Advisors.

Nominees remain eligible for three years, with updated documentation encouraged.

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How to Submit a Nomination

Submit online via the World Food Prize nomination portal:

Submit a Nomination
Deadline: May 1 (11:59 PM)

Nomination guidance, FAQs, and supporting materials are available on the Prize website.

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