The birthplace and boyhood home of northeast Iowa native and Nobel Peace Prize winner Norman Borlaug would become a National Historic Site under legislation being introduced this week in Congress.
Senator Chuck Grassley and Congressman Tom Latham will shepherd the bill through their respective chambers.
Grassley says Borlaug is a "true American hero" and this move to preserve the site near Cresco would help to preserve his legacy for generations to come. Grassley says there’s a place where Borlaug was born that’s been maintained by family, friends and admirers that would be preserved.
The 93-year-old Borlaug is known as the father of the Green Revolution. His research in plant genetics developed crops that increased yields and resisted disease, work that’s credited with helping to save the lives of millions of people around the world from starvation.
Borlaug won the Nobel in 1970 and just last year was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, Congress’ highest expression of appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions.