- Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming, Dr. Rattan Lal, and SEKEM are the 2024 winners.
- Recognized for their contributions to food security, climate resilience, and ecosystem protection.
- The prize highlights innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture and global food systems.
The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation has honored three leaders in sustainable agriculture with the 2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity. Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) supports smallholder farmers, mainly women, in adopting natural farming techniques.
This year’s winners were selected from 181 nominations across 117 countries. Chaired by Dr. Angela Merkel, the jury recognized these pioneers for their diverse and impactful approaches to sustainable agriculture.
Champions of Sustainable Agriculture Win 2024 Gulbenkian Prize
The 2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity celebrates Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF), Dr. Rattan Lal, and SEKEM for their exceptional contributions to sustainable agriculture. APCNF, a state-wide initiative in India, empowers smallholder farmers, primarily women, to shift from chemically intensive farming to natural methods. The program, launched in 2016, has already impacted over a million farmers and aims to reach all eight million farmer households in Andhra Pradesh within the next decade.
Dr. Rattan Lal, a distinguished soil scientist, has advanced global understanding of the crucial role soil health plays in food security and climate resilience. His research and educational efforts emphasize sustainable soil management, harmonizing food production with ecological preservation. Lal’s soil-centric methodologies have become a cornerstone in the pursuit of sustainable agricultural practices worldwide.
SEKEM, founded nearly 50 years ago in Egypt, demonstrates the transformative power of biodynamic farming. Through its key initiative, the Egyptian Biodynamic Association (EBDA), SEKEM supports farmers transitioning from conventional to regenerative farming. This initiative has successfully converted over 12,000 hectares of land and supported more than 5,000 farmers, showcasing the potential for sustainable agriculture to rejuvenate arid regions.
The Prize, chaired by Dr. Angela Merkel, was awarded from a record number of nominations this year, underscoring the global recognition of sustainable agriculture’s importance. The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, through this award, highlights the interconnectedness of climate challenges and the vital role of sustainable farming in addressing food security, climate resilience, and ecosystem protection.
The 2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity not only honors the winners’ innovative contributions but also serves as a catalyst for global efforts in sustainable agriculture. By showcasing successful models, the Prize encourages replication and adaptation of these practices worldwide, fostering a more resilient and sustainable future for all.
“Access to high-quality food is of existential importance to everyone. Climate change and the resulting global warming have led to an increase in extreme weather events and are endangering food security around the world.”
– Angela Merkel
