Des Moines, Iowa
February 7, 2008
DuPont (NYSE: DD) today announced a $1 million contingent
donation to fund the establishment of a
permanent home for the World Food Prize in Des Moines. The
donation will support the transformation of the former Des
Moines Public Library into the Norman E. Borlaug Hall of
Laureates and will be administered through DuPont business
Pioneer Hi-Bred.
"The World Food Prize brings much-deserved recognition to those
who are saving and improving millions of lives around the
globe," said Paul Schickler, Pioneer president and DuPont vice
president and general manager. "As a long-time major supporter
of the Prize, we are pleased to help establish a permanent home
honoring those who have dedicated their lives to saving others."
DuPont and its Pioneer business have been a major sponsor of the
World Food Prize since 1996 through financial grants, hosting of
the World Food Prize Youth Symposium and annual sponsorships
including a sponsor program for two students in the Borlaug-Ruan
International Intern program.
"Pioneer Hi-Bred has been a strong friend and consistent
supporter of World Food Prize programs, including our Youth
Institute and international internships," said Ambassador
Kenneth Quinn, president of the World Food Prize Foundation. "On
behalf of all of us at the foundation, I want to express our
profound appreciation for this very special contribution as well
as for all of their past support."
When completed, the Norman E. Borlaug Hall of Laureates will
serve as a historical center to recognize the achievements of
Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Iowa native Norman Borlaug as
well as past World Food Prize laureates. It will host the annual
World Food Prize International Symposium, which brings together
dignitaries, scientists, nutritionists and other food and
nutrition experts from around the world to discuss and share
ideas about food and agricultural issues. It also will be the
new home for the World Food Prize Global Youth Institute. The
stately building sits on the bank of the Des Moines River in
downtown Des Moines. It served as the Des Moines Public Library
from 1903 until 2006.
The World Food Prize is the foremost international award
recognizing -- without regard to race, religion, nationality, or
political beliefs -- the achievements of individuals who have
advanced human development by improving the quality, quantity or
availability of food in the world.
The contingent donation will be paid in $250,000 increments
as the World Food Prize meets certain fundraising milestones
during the next four years. Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business,
is the world's leading source of
customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers and grain
and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa,
Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics in nearly 70
countries.
DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded
in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable
solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for
people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont
offers a wide range of innovative products and services for
markets including agriculture and food; building and
construction; communications; and transportation. |
|
