Rice and wheat are two staple crops critical to the food security of billions of people around the world.  Together, they feed more than half of the world’s population. However, yield improvements in rice and wheat lag behind other crops.

In 2009, we launched Monsanto’s Beachell-Borlaug International Scholars Program, offering fellowships for Ph.D. students who study rice and wheat breeding. Students from around the world apply for these fellowships, and Monsanto funds their education, research and leadership development. The goals of this program are to aid in the development of highly educated rice and wheat breeders who can serve as future leaders in the field of agriculture and provide opportunities for young scientists to experience the important work and mission of public sector research institutions, particularly in developing countries.

Currently we’re entering our fifth year and have recently finished our latest round of applications. Our program has supported 52 scholars from 21 different countries.

OUR GOAL: TO ADD 10 MORE SCHOLARS THIS YEAR

Every year, these scholars attend the World Food Prize, which is considered to be the “Nobel Prize of agriculture.” This exposure allows them to network with leaders and academics in international development, food security and plant science.

In 2012, we added communication and leadership training to the program to complement their world-class scientific training period. At Monsanto, we view this additional training as key to the leadership development of these scholars.

This program is named for Dr. Norman Borlaug and Dr. Henry Beachell, two of the most important names in rice and wheat agriculture. Together they helped create the “Green Revolution,” and they’re credited with saving a billion people with their scientific innovations.

Visit www.monsanto.com/mbbischolars to learn more about the program.