World Food Prize Foundation President emeritus remembers Yuan Longping: Shared goal of ending hunger should guide China-U.S. agricultural cooperation

In an exclusive interview with News Lounge of China News Network, Kenneth Quinn, President emeritus of the World Food Prize Foundation, fondly recalled encounters with Yuan Longping, the "Father of Hybrid Rice."

In 2004, Yuan visited Des Moines, Iowa, where Quinn hosted the award ceremony and Dr. Norman Borlaug, renowned as the ”Father of the Green Revolution," presented Yuan with the World Food Prize sculpture.

Quinn remembered both men as humble and down-to-earth. After Yuan passed away, a photo of the three appeared on a Chinese postage stamp — an honor Quinn called a testament to Yuan's place in people's hearts.

Quinn believes China-U.S. cooperation should follow their example: a shared cause above commercial interests and disputes.

From a single seed to a postage stamp, from an individual's dedication to a joint effort between two nations — ending hunger may be a guiding pursuit of China-U.S. agricultural cooperation.(Wang Gaofei, Zeng Yue)