For Release : May 17, 2001

Dr. Carlos Ochoa, International Potato Expert, receives first William L. Brown Award at the National Academy of Sciences.

On May 9, Peruvian scientist and potato expert Dr. Carlos Ochoa received the inaugural William L. Brown Award for Excellence in Plant Genetic Resources Conservation in a ceremony at the National Academy of Sciences. Alice Brown, widow of the late William L. Brown, along with her son William T. Brown and daughter Alicia Matthes, presented Dr. Ochoa with a bronze medal and a cash prize of $10,000. Accompanying Dr. Ochoa was his wife, Alida Pacheco. The award was made possible by a generous donation from the Sehgal Family Foundation and commemorates Dr. Brown’s life-long efforts to collect, preserve, understand, and share plant genetic resources.

Dr. Ochoa was chosen from a group of 30 world-class nominees by an internationally recognized selection committee of experts in genetic resource conservation. The committee was chaired by Dr. Don Plucknett, formerly World Bank science advisor to the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research.

Dr. Ochoa’s career has spanned more than 40 years of collecting, studying, and improving potato germplasm from his base at CIP, the International Potato Center, where he is currently senior scientist emeritus. Dr. Ochoa accepted the award gratefully and will use the prize money to help underwrite publication of his lifework. He noted how difficult it is for developing country scientists to find support to publish their research.

Dr. Ian Johnson, Vice President of the World Bank and Chairman of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, spoke about the importance of plant germplasm resources to the programs at the international agricultural research centers, and their enormous impact on food supplies for the world’s populations. Dr. Johnson noted that “Dr. Ochoa’s exceptional scientific achievements have had an enormous impact on the development of agriculture and improvement of rural life in Perú and the Americas... This is a fine example of good science making a real difference in the lives of the poor.”

Dr. David MacKenzie, Chairman of the Board of CIP, cited a few of the Peruvian scientist’s impressive accomplishments. Dr. Ochoa has collected and classified more than 12,000 accessions of wild and cultivated potato species and discovered 80 wild species, about a third of those known to exist. He has developed at least a dozen improved potato varieties that are now cultivated commercially on 70,000 hectares in Perú, about 20% of that country’s potato-growing area. Dr. Ochoa has published more than 100 scientific articles and books on potato taxonomy and breeding, and has received several other prestigious awards in recognition of his contributions.

Also taking part in the ceremony was Dr. Suri Sehgal, who began his professional career with Dr. Brown and went on to build several successful seed businesses. Dr. Sehgal credited Dr. Brown with helping him gain expertise in maize breeding, business management, and with creating a legacy of commitment to humanitarian causes.

Dr. John Pino, President of the Board of Directors of Genetic Resources Communications Systems, publisher of the journal DIVERSITY and sponsor of the award, introduced the speakers. Dr. Pino was formerly Director of Agricultural Sciences at the Rockefeller Foundation and was centrally involved in the establishment of the international agricultural research centers.

Dr. Brown retired in 1984 as CEO of Pioneer Hi-Bred International, the world’s largest seed company. He became a member of the National Academy of Sciences in 1980. As the first chairman of the Academy’s Board on Agriculture, he initiated a landmark global study on genetic resources and worked tirelessly to assure future food security. Dr. Brown also founded Genetic Resources Communications Systems, whose mission is to provide a broad range of views and information on people, issues, policies, practices, and activities related to the preservation, conservation, and use of genetic resources.

The selection process for the second William L. Brown Award recipient is already underway. The award is open to men and women of all countries who have made outstanding contributions in the field of genetic resources conservation and use. Announcement of the next award is expected in late 2001.

Additional information:
http://www.diversitymag.org/home.html
http://www.cipotato.org/new/pressreleases/english/ochoaAward.htm

Contact:

Dr. John A. Pino, President
GRCS/Diversity
Tel. (203) 226-9305
Email: japino@compuserve.com

Dr. Judith L. Snow, Secretary
GRCS/Diversity
Tel. (732) 932-8165 x208
Email: snow@aesop.rutgers.edu