Changes made on World Food Prize Foundation advisory council

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Changes made on World Food Prize Foundation advisory council

A former U.S. ag secretary is the new chairman of the World Food Prize Foundation’s Council of Advisors.

Tom Vilsack tells Brownfield “there’s a lot of work for us to do in order to broaden and deepen the understanding, relationship and support of the foundation’s work.”

The foundation’s council of advisors is comprised of distinguished leaders and experts who provide the board and staff with valuable perspectives and recommendations and they ensure the financial integrity of the budget. 

Vilsack, who’s also CEO of the World Food Prize Foundation, says food security in and outside of the United States is important.

“If you don’t feed people, you feed conflict,” he says. “I think the United States still has a role to play. Perhaps not as a government, but certainly our philanthropic organizations, farmers and ranchers are keen on making sure we use food as an appropriate tool to alleviate suffering.”

Vilsack says creative thinking will be required to fill the void left by a reduction in spending at the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Former advisor chairman Paul Schickler will continue to lead the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Ambassador Terry Branstad, former Foundation President and Iowa Governor, will transition to a member of the Board of Directors.