Jorge Dubcovsky Named 2026 World Agriculture Prize Laureate
Seed World Staff
October 5, 2026
A distinguished professor in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences, Jorge Dubcovsky, pictured in the wheat fields at UC Davis. (Jael Mackendorf / UC Davis)
Wheat geneticist Jorge Dubcovsky has been named the 2026 World Agriculture Prize Laureate in the category for countries with developed economies. The award recognizes his contributions to wheat improvement and global food security.
Dubcovsky, a distinguished professor in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute researcher, has been recognized for his work over three decades advancing understanding of wheat biology. His research has identified and characterized genes influencing yield, disease resistance, flowering time, nutrient use efficiency, and adaptation to diverse growing conditions.
These discoveries have directly contributed to improved wheat varieties grown on millions of hectares worldwide, enhancing global food security.
"The World Agriculture Prize recognizes individuals whose achievements have had a profound and lasting impact on global agriculture and human well-being," stated Doug Steele, chair of the World Agriculture Prize International Committee. "Dubcovsky’s scientific leadership and extraordinary contributions to wheat genetics have strengthened the resilience of one of the world’s most important food crops..."
Dubcovsky has collaborated with researchers, breeding institutions, governments, and international agricultural organizations to translate his discoveries into practical applications. He has also mentored future generations of plant scientists and breeders.
The World Agriculture Prize, presented by the Global Confederation of Higher Education Associations for the Agricultural and Life Sciences (GCHERA), also recognizes scientists from countries not classified as developed economies.
Dubcovsky will be formally honored on October 28 at the 2026 World Agriculture Prize Award Ceremony at Nanjing Agricultural University in China.