The IFA Norman Borlaug Award is offered to individuals (not to organizations or companies) for excellence in research or knowledge transfer that has led to significant improvements in productivity, profitability, fertilizer use efficiency, environmental sustainability, food quality and human health and rural life in general. The Award is offered in a 4-year cycle alternately between research in developing countries, in developed countries and for knowledge transfer. To illustrate:

• 2011 - Research Award- developed countries and international research centers/institutes
• 2012 - Knowledge Transfer Award
• 2013 - Research Award - developing countries
• 2014 - Knowledge Transfer Award

Any individual whose work concerns the use of fertilizers, from the public or private sector is eligible for nomination by an IFA member.

Selection criteria for Knowledge Transfer Award:

1. Impact on crop productivity and rural economy
2. Quality and originality of the extension work
3. Long-term customized approach
4. Feedback mechanism and maintenance of constant information flow: resercher - extension - farmer
5. Impact on resource conservation and improvement of input use efficiency
6. Integrated approach for rural development

Selection Criteria for Research Award:

1. Quality of research
2. Practical application of research and positive impact on food production
3. Communication of resuts to farmers
4. Environmental concerns/impact of research
5. Originality of research work
6. International relevance

Information on the nomination process for the 2013 Award will be posted in September 2012.