A Filipina, who is from Leyte, has been named as one of the 38 recipients of the first-ever Top Agri-food Pioneers (TAP), an award that was launched by the World Food Prize Foundation to identify and celebrate global trailblazers working in food and agriculture.
Norhaya V. Demacaling, described by the Iowa-based foundation as “a dedicated agricultural scientist and advocate for sustainable farming practices, was cited for her contribution “in the field of sustainable agriculture.”
“With a focus on improving crop productivity and resilience, Demacaling has contributed significantly to research in plant science and environmental management,” the citation reads.
Demacaling is the chief agriculturist and director of programming for the School for Experiential and Entrepreneurial Development (SEED) Inc. in the Philippines. “Her work often involves developing innovative solutions for smallholder farmers, enhancing their ability to adapt to climate change and environmental challenges,” the foundation said.
“Committed to advancing agricultural sustainability, she collaborates with local communities and international organizations to promote effective and eco-friendly farming techniques,” the foundation added.
Aside from her work at SEED, Demacaling is also a licensed agriculturist and an awardee for Kabataang Agribiz and Gawad Saka Outstanding Organic Farmer from the Department of Agriculture.
When asked by Move to Change Foundation, Inc. on why she became interested in farming, she replied, “One of my dreams is to see our country as one of the major producers of agricultural commodities.”
She’s from Leyte and graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management from Visayas State College of Agriculture (now Visayas State University).
“Young people like me did not have the chance to do farming as a profession because there are only a few people who believed that farming is an economically viable profession and there were only few opportunities available.”
Demacaling wanted to be a role model for young people like her. Instead of going abroad, why don’t they stay in the place where they grew up. “I want to inform everyone, especially farmers and their children that they do not have to leave their families to have a decent life.
“I want the current and next generation of farmers to know that there is hope and a bright future in agriculture,” she added. “With the right partners, I know our dream for Philippine’s agriculture is attainable and with the right strategies, goals can be put into reality.”
Demacaling is the lone recipient from the Philippines. “Very grateful for this achievement,” she said in her Facebook post.
This year’s TAP awardees come from 20 countries on six continents, represent a range of ages and work in varied fields, 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, the foundation president. “We hope this inaugural TAP class serves as the foundation for a growing network of trailblazers in food systems.”
The 2024 awardees represent the first cohort of TAP, a community intended to be expanded each year to facilitate greater co-learning and collaboration. The announcement comes in honor of the Foundation’s 38th anniversary this year and the 38 pioneers will be featured at the 2024 Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines come October 29-31.
Aside from Demacaling, other recipients from Southeast Asia are Isnawati Hidayan (for nutrition and food security) and Alvian Wardhana for agricultural education. Both are from Indonesia.
There are also two recipients from India: Pawan Kumar for sustainable agriculture and Vijay Singh Meena for climate-resilient agriculture.
The lone recipient from China is Guyao Wu for livestock nutrition.
The United States has several recipients: Gary Bañuelos for soil restoration, Mary Boothe Roth for farmer advocacy, Tim Bucher for agricultural entrepreneurship, Han Chen for agtech innovation, Jorge Heraud for autonomous farming, Andrew Mack for agriculture data platform, Samarendu Mohanty for potato seed innovation, Chris Nelson for food safety.
Other American recipients are Jehiel Oliver for agtech, Priera Panescu for alternative proteins, Magi Richani for sustainable proteins, Lisa Shulte-Moore for conservation agriculture, Walter Suza for plant breeding, Leigh Ann Winowiecki for soil health and restoration, Stephen Xu for wheat research, and Huaijun Zhou for poultry genomics.
Africa has seven recipients: Mathildah Amollo (Kenya) for livestock nutrition, Ogugua Aworh (Nigeria) for indigenous crops, Appolinaire Djikeng (Cameroon) for genomics and livestock, Doreen Irungu (Kenya) for conservation agriculture and women’s empowerment, Innoscensia John (Tanzania) for indigenous crops, Sylvanus Odjo (Benin) for food loss reduction, and Terese Shadrach Akpem (Nigeria) for animal science.
The six recipients from Europe are Marianne Banziger (Switzerland) for food systems advocacy, Hilary Barry (Ireland) for women’s empowerment, Bas Bouman (Netherlands) for rice agronomy, Simon Haldrup (Netherlands) for climate fintech, Giles Oldroyd (United Kingdom) for plant symbiosis, and Jania Peter (Germany) for youth empowerment.
The following countries have one recipient each: Australia (Paul Newham for food security advocacy), New Zealand (Jason Wargent for UV agriculture), and Canada (Tara Nathan for financial services).
