Donald Danforth Plant Science Center to be Honored as the Second Annual Recipient of the International Humanitarian of the Year Award

St. Louis, MO, April 27, 2012 --(PR.com)-- The World Affairs Council of St. Louis announced that it will recognize the efforts of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center led by Dr. William H. Danforth, chairman of the board of trustees, and Dr. James C. Carrington, president, with the organization’s second annual International Humanitarian of the Year Award.

The organization’s top award will honor the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center for its mission to improve the human condition through crop research that centers on feeding the hungry, improving human health and preserving the environment. The award specifically recognizes the Center’s Institute for International Crop Improvement which aims to bring improved crops that yield more per acre, are richer in essential nutrients and resistant to disease, insects and drought to small farmers in places such as Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso.

“The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center serves as a seed of hope here in the St. Louis region – applying research to better address malnutrition, preserve our environment and explore novel, sustainable energy solutions,” said Robert A. Fischer, executive director of the World Affairs Council of St. Louis. “The leadership of Dr. Danforth and Dr. Carrington are an essential part of fostering this valuable, humanitarian-based research which can impact the lives of farmers and citizens of nations throughout our world.”

“Jim and I are pleased to accept this award on behalf of the many talented faculty and staff that are dedicated to furthering the mission of the Danforth Center. The World Affairs Council has brought many international guests to the Danforth Center and we are grateful for their efforts. We see the Center as a gift to St. Louis and St. Louis’ gift to the world,” Danforth said.

The World Affairs Council of St. Louis will present the recognition as part of its second annual International Humanitarian of the Year ceremony held on Thursday, June 7th at the Chase Park Plaza. Dr. Elizabeth Stroble, President of Webster University, will serve as Master of Ceremonies for this invitation-only event. The World Affairs Council of St. Louis will be donating a portion of the event’s proceeds to the Institute for International Crop Improvement at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center.

The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center was founded in 1998 through a $60 million gift from the Danforth Foundation, a $50 million gift from the Monsanto Fund, the donation of 40 acres of land from Monsanto Company and $25 million in tax credits from the State of Missouri. The Danforth Center has quickly become the largest independent plant research facility in the world. More than 150 scientists from 24 countries are engaged in research that strives to enhance the nutritional content of plants, increase agricultural production to create an adequate food supply, reduce the need for water and the use of pesticides and fertilizer, develop sustainable sources of energy and generate scientific ideas and technologies that will contribute to the economic growth of the St. Louis region. The Danforth Center has a strong international presence and commitment and have developed collaborations with educational and research institutes in Africa, China and India.

As part of its recognition, the World Affairs Council of St. Louis also acknowledged the Center for its community efforts to increase awareness and understanding of the challenge of global malnutrition and encouraging informed, year-round action to alleviate hunger through scientific and humanitarian efforts. As host of a World Food Day commemoration last October the Center opened its doors and enlisted nearly 3,000 volunteers to package nutritious rice/soy protein meals for people facing critical food shortages in sub-Saharan Africa.

About The World Affairs Council of St. Louis
The World Affairs Council of St. Louis connects the citizens of the region with the world. The Council’s mission is to promote understanding, engagement, relationships, and leadership in world affairs. The Council welcomes more than 300 visitors a year including leading ambassadors and other foreign dignitaries, as well as students to the greater metropolitan area.

The World Affairs Council of St. Louis is an affiliate of the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA). WACA represents and supports the largest national non-partisan network of local councils that are dedicated to educating, inspiring and engaging Americans in international affairs and the critical global issues of our times.

About The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
Founded in 1998, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is a not-for-profit research institute with a mission to improve the human condition through plant science. Research at the Danforth Center will feed the hungry and improve human health, preserve and renew the environment, and enhance the St. Louis region and Missouri as a world center for plant science. The Center’s work is funded through competitive grants and contract revenue from many sources, including the U.S. Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, United States Department of Agriculture, U.S. Agency for International Development and the Bill & Melinda Gates and Howard Buffett Foundations.