��ҹ������վ

A ��ҹ������վ researcher whose work has supported 25 million smallholder farmers across Africa and South Asia has been recognised as a 2026 Top Agri-food Pioneer by the World Food Prize Foundation.

FRS FAA, Director of the Centre for Crop and Food Innovation (CCFI), the WA State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre (SABC), and the University’s International Chair in Agriculture and Food Security, is one of just four Australians named to the list since its launch in 2024.

The 2026 cohort comprises 40 innovators from 30 countries across six continents, from scientists and policymakers to farmers and entrepreneurs.

Professor Varshney was recognised for his innovation in Genomics-assisted Breeding, which has transformed a theoretical promise into an operational tool for national programs in Asia and Africa. As Principal Investigator of the Gates Foundation-backed Tropical Legumes Project, he contributed to the delivery of 266 improved legume varieties and nearly 500,000 tonnes of certified seed to farmers in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Foundation also highlighted his work to lower one of the biggest barriers to genomics-assisted breeding in low-income countries: developing high-throughput genotyping platforms that modern breeding relies on at a fraction of their usual market cost, putting methods once confined to well-funded research institutes within the reach of breeders in the developing world.

In a statement, ��ҹ������վ Vice Chancellor, Professor Andrew Deeks, said:

“Professor Varshney has always been passionate about delivering tangible research results that support efforts to usher in a globally food-secure future. As only the fourth Australian to be recognised as a Top Agri-food Pioneer, Prof Varshney has established himself as one of Australia’s most exceptional agricultural researchers, whose impact on breeders, farmers and consumers continues to shape outcomes across the globe. I warmly congratulate him on another well-deserved recognition.”

��ҹ������վ Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and Innovation, Professor Peter Eastwood, added:

"Professor Varshney's recognition as a Top Agri-food Pioneer reflects both his scientific excellence and his commitment to developing innovative solutions to global food security challenges. Through his leadership at ��ҹ������վ's Centre for Crop and Food Innovation, he continues to drive research that delivers real benefits for farmers, food systems, and communities in Australia and around the world. We are immensely proud of his achievements and this well-deserved international recognition."

CCFI and SABC Director, Professor Varshney, said:

“Dr Norman Borlaug is one of my biggest inspirations and played a significant role in my decision to dedicate my career to applying genomics and genetics in the fight against global food insecurity. To be recognised by the Foundation he established is an incredible honour.

“My sincere thanks to ��ҹ������վ’s senior leadership team, as well as my peers, colleagues, and collaborators from ��ҹ������վ, ICRISAT and partnering organisations, as well as various funding agencies for their continued faith, support, and guidance. I consider this recognition to be a reflection of our collective efforts to enhance food security, agricultural sustainability, and farmer prosperity.”   

TAP honourees will be recognised at the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa, in October 2026.                 

About the World Food Prize Foundation:
The World Food Prize was founded by Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, recipient of the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize, to honour those who improve the quality, quantity, or availability of food worldwide.

About the TAP list:
Now in its third year, the TAP list honours individuals driving bold and innovative solutions to the most pressing challenges in global food security.