Former governor, USDA secretary Tom Vilsack returns to Iowa to lead World Food Prize

DES MOINES — Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack is headed back to the state to lead the World Food Prize Foundation after stepping down as U.S. agriculture secretary under former President Joe Biden.

The World Food Prize Foundation announced Tuesday that Vilsack will serve as the organization’s chief executive officer beginning March 1.

“As CEO, Vilsack will leverage his extensive leadership and diplomatic experience to enhance the Foundation’s global impact in food security and sustainable agriculture,” according a news release.

The Democrat replaces another former Iowa governor in leading the Des Moines-based group that strives to alleviate world hunger and honors the work of international leaders for their efforts and achievements in global food security with an annual prize.

Republican Terry Branstad, the former U.S. ambassador to China and longtime governor, will retire as president of the World Food Prize Foundation at the end of January. Public tax records show he was paid over $348,000 in 2023 to be the foundation’s CEO.

Vilsack served nearly 12 years as the nation’s top ag official under two presidencies, first under President Barack Obama and then under Biden, making him the second longest serving U.S. secretary of agriculture, surpassed by fellow Iowan James Wilson. Wilson served under three presidencies, from 1897 to 1913.

Vilsack served as Iowa governor from 1999 to 2007.

Each spring, the World Food Prize awards a $500,000 prize. Established in 1986 by Iowa native and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Norman Borlaug, the annual award recognizes individuals who have improved the quality, quantity or availability of food.

The World Food Prize also hosts an international symposium that attracts leading agricultural experts from around the world to discuss global food security. The foundation also hosts a youth institute for high school students to explore and solve hunger and food security issues, as well as the Iowa Hunger Summit.

Borlaug was a leader in the “Green Revolution,” developing wheat varieties resistant to disease and that could adapt to a range of growing conditions.

Vilsack’s appointment builds on his longstanding relationship with the foundation, where he served on the its council of advisers and board of directors.

"The World Food Prize Foundation has a phenomenal and important history of advancing innovation to address global food security," Vilsack said in a statement. "I am honored to have the opportunity to build on that legacy, working closely with Mashal Husain and the talented team to extend the Foundation’s impact worldwide. I look forward to forging new partnerships, helping bring to life new solutions in the fight against hunger and championing efforts to ensure a sustainable and equitable food system for future generations."

Paul Schickler, president of the World Food Prize Foundation, said Vilsack’s diplomatic skills and knowledge of complex food, hunger and farm issues will help the foundation enhance its global impact in food security and sustainable agriculture.

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