Born into slavery, George Washington Carver became a prominent agricultural scientist known for his work on promoting alternative crops to cotton, such as peanuts and sweet potatoes. He developed techniques to improve soil fertility and created hundreds of applications for these crops.
Luther Burbank was a renowned American botanist and horticulturist. He developed over 800 strains and varieties of plants, including the Russet Burbank potato, a significant contribution to agricultural production.
Masanobu Fukuoka was a Japanese farmer and philosopher, known for his natural farming and re-vegetation of desertified lands. He advocated for minimal intervention and believed in working in harmony with nature.
Norman Borlaug was an American biologist and humanitarian. Often called the father of the Green Revolution, he developed high-yield, disease-resistant wheat varieties, contributing significantly to global food production.
Rachel Carson was an influential marine biologist and conservationist. Her book "Silent Spring" sparked the environmental movement and raised concerns about the impacts of pesticides on wildlife and ecosystems.
Gregor Mendel was an Austrian monk and scientist known for his work in genetics. His experiments with pea plants laid the foundation for modern genetics and the understanding of heredity in plants.
Seibutsu-no-Komoriya, a legendary figure in Japanese agriculture, promoted sustainable farming practices. His teachings emphasized the importance of respecting nature's balance for long-term agricultural success.
Maria Thun, an influential biodynamic farmer, developed the biodynamic calendar, which suggests the best times for planting, cultivating, and harvesting based on lunar cycles.
Booker T. Whatley was an advocate of sustainable agriculture and introduced the concept of "clientele membership clubs" to support small farmers. He promoted the idea of niche farming to increase profits.
Ellen Swallow Richards was the first female student and instructor at MIT. She applied chemistry to agriculture, advocating for better food safety standards and advancements in nutritional sciences.