this really is a direct way of diplomacy with the most promising group of people who have the most years still to live and to contribute to this.

The Global Food Security Act of 2009 (S. 384), introduced by Senators Richard Lugar and Robert Casey, is intended to set in motion a U.S. Government strategy to address the food security needs of the developing world.

As Senator Lugar mentioned, per-capita production of maize has actually dropped by 14 percent since 1980.

I believe the food security challenge is an opportunity for the United States.

the need for coordination at the White House level in what is now an Iraq and national security endeavor

I see.

We feel we displaced the dictator, we are trying to bring about democracy, trying to do a number of good things; and to be so resented by the population seems to us to be totally wrong.

That's an important statement, all by itself. Yes, indeed.

Well, I like the thought that our universities might get together with comparable institutions, or people in education anywhere, in Africa or Asia or Middle East.

Thus we are most grateful that the committee is holding a hearing on opportunities for U.S. leadership in alleviating global hunger.

the army eats first--the warriors eat first.

I've seen it, lived it, and this is why I've invited people from other countries to come to our farm.

the problems of climate, drought, pest resistance all will increase in this changing world

I think what your bill does is to reiterate to the world that food and agricultural production, as a part of our global assistance, is a priority; it is not a secondary factor.

We also had a strong consensus that there should be significantly more ability for the U.S. Government to allow food purchasing in developing countries to support local agriculture.

Right now, a great deal of discussion of our coming plans in Afghanistan and Pakistan surround agriculture.

the committee wishes Dr. Borlaug a very happy birthday.

It speaks highly, I think, of the motivational leadership of both Secretary Salazar and his chief of staff and nominee to be the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, Tom Strickland, that so many of their fellow Coloradans…