In 1986, The World Food Prize Foundation, located in Des Moines, was established by Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 for his work in world agriculture. The World Food Prize, awarded annually, honors outstanding individuals who have made vital contributions to improving the quality, quantity, or availability of food throughout the world

Previous laureates have been recognized around the world, including from the United Kingdom, India, Switzerland, Bangladesh and the U.S.