Title
Borlaug Training Foundation: Developing the Next Generation of Hunger Fighters
Abstract: The Borlaug Training Foundation (BTF) is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organized by a group of volunteers committed to enhancing opportunities for young scientists to gain hands-on, practical agricultural research training, just as Dr. Borlaug did during his entire career. The mission of the BTF is to support the development of plant scientists who fight hunger by improving crops around the world, especially in developing countries where access to affordable food is unstable or inadequate. The BTF is unique in that we aim to bridge the gap between an academic plant science education and real-world tools and practices that our trainees can implement in their home countries. The BTF has three programs: 1) Amplify the impact of CIMMYT's Wheat Improvement Courses by bringing critical funding, scientific expertise, mentoring, and other resources; 2) Implement new training courses as requested by our international partners; and 3) Farmer-to-farmer exchanges, in the spirit of connecting farmers to each other and to researchers. We believe that taking science to the field is essential to ensuring good harvests, and that well-trained scientists can and do improve crops that lift families out of poverty and provide hope for the future. Funding for field-oriented, practical training has declined over the last few decades, and the BTF seeks to change that. We believe as Dr. Borlaug did that "We cannot build a peaceful world on empty stomachs and human misery," and we cannot get there without agricultural scientists who are inspired and equipped with the knowledge to become the next generation of Hunger Fighters.
Bio: Retired March 31, 2015.
Fred A. Cholick served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Kansas State University Foundation February 4, 2010 – March 31,2015.
Cholick served as the dean of the College of Agriculture and Director of K-State Research and Extension, 2004-2010. Dean of the College of Agricultural and Biological Sciences at South Dakota State University, 1998-2004. Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station,1994-1998, Head Plant Science Dept at South Dakota State University, 1991-1994
Member, National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics (NAREEE)
Advisory Board, 2008-2010.
Chair, Policy Board of Directors, Board on Agriculture Assembly (presently APLU), 2007-2008
Chair, Board on Agriculture, Budget and Advocacy Committee (presently APLU), 2004-2005.
Member, International Agriculture Development Coordinating Committee (presently APLU) 2005-2010
Fellow, American Society of Agronomy – 2007
Agronomic Service Award, ASA – 2009
Distinguished Service Award Agricultural Experiment Section - 2015
Cholick is originally from western Oregon and spent his youth working on a diverse family farm. His work has been published in journals, professional abstracts, national and international proceedings and extension bulletins.
Cholick received a bachelor's degree in agronomy from Oregon State University, and a master's and doctorate degree from Colorado State University in agronomy, breeding and genetics.
Cholick can be reached at 785-410-1866 or by e-mail at fcholick@gmail.com
