The FARM Foundation Award
An annual distinction rewarding action research in the field of agricultural development and food security in the Global South, the FARM Foundation Prize was launched in 2024. Awarded at FARM's annual international conference, this prize recognizes researchers who, through their scientific and societal commitment, make a concrete contribution to improving the living conditions of rural populations and the development of sustainable food systems. The annual prize money is €5,000.
Meeting the challenge of agricultural transformations
In the Global South, agricultural development and food security are crucial issues that shape the lives of millions of people, from producers to consumers. Faced with demographic, economic, climatic, and geopolitical challenges, a paradigm shift toward sustainable and productive agricultural models is essential. These models must accelerate agroecological transformation, protect biodiversity and soils, while strengthening social equity, fair remuneration for producers, and food sovereignty.
Building bridges between research and action
Although solutions are available and being tested around the world to sustainably increase productivity and improve producers' living conditions, scaling them up remains a major challenge. Investment in research, entrepreneurship, and public action remains insufficient. This is why the FARM Foundation, positioned at the intersection of research, business strategies, and public policy, created this Prize to promote synergies between the various stakeholders in agricultural and food systems.
Priority action themes
Co-constructed by the members of the Scientific Council and the management of FARM with the support of its Board of Directors, theThe FARM Prize rewards committed researchers around four priority themes:
- Promoting the resilience of agriculture to climate change and sustainable management of natural resources
- Improving South/North supply conditions and consumption patterns via the promotion of fair market conditions for producers, consumer health and rational management of inputs
- Act to mobilize public and private financing to transform agricultural and food systems
- Develop public policies guaranteeing food security and sovereignty
2025 winner: a researcher working alongside Burkinabe women producers
The first edition of the FARM Prize concluded on January 28, 2025, at the Foundation's International Conference. On this occasion, Koulibi Fidèle Zongo was named the winner from among the 31 applications examined. The jury praised his commitment in the field and the quality of his work on soil fertility management in a context of climate change in Burkina Faso (see the news).
Doctor of Engineering in Agro-Pedology and Agronomy, Koulibi Fidèle Zongo is a lecturer-researcher at the Tenkodogo University Center of Thomas Sankara University.
His scientific approach is based on a participatory research and development approach, notably illustrated by his collaboration with 42 women compost producers in northern Burkina Faso. As he explains, "I chose this theme in order to work towards finding a sustainable food system for rural populations."
A journey that particularly inspired the 2025 jury chaired by Pierre Jacquet, economist and President of the Council scientist of the FARM Foundation.
The five other finalists for the 2025 edition
2026 Edition: Applications are open!
Following the success of the 2025 edition, the Foundation invites researchers from countries in the South to submit their applications for this new edition 2026 which will highlight other inspiring journeys
Applications are open since April 7, 2025 and will be accepted until June 15, 2025 at 11:59 PM (Paris time). Don't miss this opportunity to join an engaged community for the positive transformation of food and agricultural systems in the countries of the South!
