Cary Fowler and Geoffrey Hawtin have been named the 2024 World Food Prize laureates for their pioneering work in agricultural preservation. The announcement, made at the U.S. State Department on Thursday, May 9, celebrates the big role the pair has played in preserving crop diversity.
Around two decades ago, Fowler and Hawtin came up with the concept of a “doomsday vault” — a seed repository nestled within an Arctic mountain. Now, their brainchild, Svalbard Global Seed Vault, stands as a cornerstone of the planet’s emergency food resources.
The prestigious award, accompanied by a $500,000 prize, is meant to show the significance of their contributions. Secretary of State Antony Blinken commended their efforts, highlighting the critical need for preserving the planet’s crop diversity amid climate change.
Fowler and Hawtin’s initiative stemmed from concerns about climate change threatening agriculture. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault serves as a safety net against potential world disasters or changes, ensuring the seeds will be available for future generations.
As World Food Prize laureates, Fowler and Hawtin said that they are committed to advocating for increased funding for seed banks around the world. Their vision is a resilient food supply that can withstand global environmental changes.
The World Food Prize awards are given out annually to those whose efforts help combat world hunger.