Borlaug’s legacy more than technology

For all his immense scientific expertise and achievements in greatly expanding production of food crops, geneticist Norman Borlaug also should be remembered for what he often warned: It takes more than technology advancements to eradicate hunger in the world.

A farm boy and wrestler raised near Cresco, Iowa's only Nobel Peace Prize winner never expected the Green Revolution he planted would be the answer-all.

Certainly, the high-yield grains Borlaug developed made a huge impact on feeding the masses over the past half century. His work is widely credited with saving more lives than any human in history - up to 1 billion. As he wisely observed, “If you desire peace, cultivate justice, but at the same time cultivate the fields to produce more bread otherwise, there will be no peace.”

But he also was a strong voice calling for much more to be done, such as reducing explosive population growth in underdeveloped countries and teaching and sharing food production strategies. Many times he implored world leaders, saying that scientists and farmers, no matter how successful they might be, could not meet the challenge alone. “We must,” he said, “influence political and religious leaders to face up to the population monster or lose the game by default.”

Borlaug had his critics, especially among environmentalists. They argued that Borlaug's successes also encouraged dangerous agricultural practices such using nitrogen fertilizers that polluted waterways. Others said small farmers were driven out because only large-scale farmers could afford the advanced technology.

Borlaug had pragmatic responses. Any technology must be used wisely and “the wheat plant ... doesn't care whether it is growing on a big farm or a small farm.”

Acknowledging that his breakthroughs weren't the full answer, he also contended that “it is far better for mankind to be struggling with new problems caused by abundance rather than with the old problems of famine.”

Borlaug clearly recognized that the Green Revolution was only a temporary success. Political disputes, wars and a rapidly increasing population remain the biggest obstacles to assuring a well-fed world.

This remarkable Iowa son leaves a multifaceted legacy. One we are challenged to improve upon. Yes, it includes continued biotechnology research to benefit mankind through sustainable agriculture, balancing production and environmental concerns.

But, as Borlaug preached, technology can only do so much. Let all nations learn from his obstinate optimism. Defeatism not allowed. Cooperation a must.