Tifton Campus: News & Events
W. Joe Lewis receives the 2008 Wolf Foundation Prize in Agriculture
May 15, 2008 — Tifton-based agricultural scientist W. Joe Lewis is a recipient of the 2008 Wolf Foundation Prize in Agriculture, one of the most prestigious agricultural awards in the world. He was honored by the Consulate General of Israel for the Southeast at a reception at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center March 13.
Lewis was an entomologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture stationed on the UGA Tifton campus before retiring in 2006. He pioneered the study of insect chemical behavior and their interaction with plant hosts. His contributions on chemical ecology have fostered the development of integrated pest management and significantly advanced agriculture.
"We present this award to those who are at the cutting edge of their field who present work with extraordinary results," said Reda Mansour, Israel's ambassador to the Southeast United States. "We know that great things come from small places."
The Israel-based Wolf Foundation was established by the late German-born inventor, diplomat and philanthropist Dr. Ricardo Wolf. Five annual Wolf Prizes of $100,000 in agriculture, chemistry, mathematics, medicine, physics and arts have been awarded since 1978 to outstanding scientists and artists "for achievements in the interest of mankind and friendly relations among peoples, irrespective of nationality, race, color, religion, sex, or political view," according to the foundation's Web site.
"I am honored by this and at the same time humbled by what it means," Lewis said.
"This is in many ways the Nobel Prize for agriculture," said J. Scott Angle, dean and director of the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. "Joe's work and this award bring great international recognition to Tifton, the type of recognition that will draw more intellectual capital to this region."
Lewis will formally receive the award May 25 at a ceremony at the Knesset Building in Jerusalem.