WASHINGTON, D.C. - On June 24, the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development (BIFAD) will convene a public meeting and host a ceremonial swearing-in for new Board members, including a new Board chair. The public BIFAD coincides with the 2011 World Food Prize Announcement and Feed the Future Research Forum, which were held earlier this week.

BIFAD is a presidentially-appointed advisory committee, comprised of seven members, four of whom must represent the academic community. Current BIFAD members include three current or former university presidents and three World Food Prize Laureates. Their primary role is to advise the USAID Administrator on agriculture, rural development and nutrition issues related to food security. BIFAD will serve as an important instrument to help USAID and the Feed the Future Initiative formulate food security policy, engage with the U.S. agricultural university community, and garner support from key partners and stakeholders.

On April 22, 2011, the White House announced four new appointments to the BIFAD: Dr. Brady Deaton, Chancellor, University of Missouri (chair); Dr. Gebisa Ejeta, Distinguished Professor, Purdue University & 2009 World Food Prize Laureate; Jo Luck, President, Heifer International & 2010 World Food Prize Laureate; Marty McVey, President, McVey & Co. Investments, Inc. On May 20, 2011, the White House also announced the re-appointment to BIFAD of Catherine Bertini, Professor, Maxwell School of Public Affairs and Diplomacy, Syracuse University and 2003 World Food Prize Laureate.

For USAID interviews, please contact: Nicole Schiegg, USAID's Senior Advisor for Strategic Communications at nschiegg@usaid.gov or (202) 712-1706.