By Sam Parsons

Representatives from the World Food Prize are set to visit the Oskaloosa area tomorrow as they tour the state promoting the 40th anniversary of the World Food Prize. CEO of the World Food Prize Foundation and former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack spoke with KBOE/KMZN news about the foundation and what they’re highlighting as part of their ongoing tour.

Vilsack explained that the World Food Prize was created 40 years ago to fill a void that existed, as the popular Nobel Prize did not have an award for food and agriculture.

Vilsack said that the main reason that he, along with other representatives from the World Food Prize Foundation, is visiting the Oskaloosa area, is to put a spotlight on the legacy of Beacon native John Ruan, who played an instrumental role in supporting the World Food Prize in its early days.

40 years later, the World Food Prize Foundation is still based in Des Moines. The Prize is handed out annually in the month of October.

Our full interview with Tom Vilsack can be listened to below.