Des Moines, IOWA - 28 August 2024 - The World Food Prize Foundation names International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Scientist Dr. Bas Bouman as one of its inaugural 2024 Top Agri-food Pioneers (TAP) .

The TAP list, a new initiative by the World Food Prize Foundation in honor of the organization's 38th anniversary, features 38 leading innovators, representing 20 countries from six continents, working to transform global food systems .

The TAP List recognizes pioneers of any age, background or career focus working in fields related to food or agriculture, from farming to animal and crop science, agtech, nutrition, education, advocacy and more.

"As the world contends with growing challenges to food systems, innovators are critical to ensuring food security, sustainability and livelihoods. We are thrilled to highlight these 38 diverse pioneers and their work," said Ambassador Terry Branstad , President, World Food Prize Foundation. "We hope this inaugural TAP class serves as the foundation for a growing network of trailblazers in food systems."

A true rice-based food systems innovator

Dr. Bouman is an agricultural engineer and agro-ecologist with more than 35 years of experience working in Asia, Latin America, and Europe. He is an internationally recognized expert on sustainable agricultural development and food security, with specific expertise on water management and rice.

He has held positions on various international advisory and governance bodies including the CGIAR Board, Sustainable Rice Platform, Comprehensive Assessment of Water and Food, and is member of the prestigious Royal Holland Society of Sciences and Humanities. From 2012 to 2022 Bas was the Director of the CGIAR Research Program on Rice, also known as the Global Rice Science Partnership (GRiSP). With…