Dr. Robert (Robb) Fraley is the former executive vice president and chief technology officer at Monsanto Company. He is widely recognized as a key contributor to the worldwide science and agriculture communities, most notably for developing the first genetically modified crops (often referred to as GMOs) as a solution for farmers battling pests and weeds that threatened yields and food production.

He grew up on a small farm near Hoopeston, Illinois, and attended the University of Illinois, where he earned a PhD in microbiology and biochemistry.  He did post-doctoral research in biophysics at the University of California-San Francisco, where he focused on biotechnology and DNA delivery before joining Monsanto Company in 1980.

Throughout his career, Fraley has authored more than 100 publications and patent applications relating to technical advances in agricultural sciences.  Recognitions for his contributions include being a recipient of the National Medal of Technology (1998), the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center Distinguished Service Award (2007), the World Food Prize (2013) and the Order of Lincoln (2020).

Fraley currently serves on several technology company boards including Trace Genomics, AgroSpheres, Harpe and Verdesian.  He has been a leading voice for agriculture, working to reset the public conversation about science. As he often says, “We can develop the greatest scientific innovations the world has ever seen, but if we can’t find ways to communicate and engage more effectively, nothing else will matter.”

Nominated by: Farm Foundation Awards Committee Recommendation