Gord Surgeoner will speak at 2017 Rural Urban
The Rotary Club of St. Marys presents Gord Surgeoner as keynote speaker at their 2017 Rural Urban event on April 8, 2017.
His topic: Agriculture Beyond Food and Feed plus information on some new technologies in the pipeline.
Gord Surgeoner, Ont, PhD
When: April 8, 2017
Where: Pyramid Recreation Centre, St. Marys
Time: Social 5:30 pm
Dinner 6:30 pm
Bio follows:
Dedicated leader is perhaps the best way to describe Gord Surgeoner. During his 30-year career, he has worked tirelessly to promote initiatives and champion causes that he believes are important to the well-being of the agri-food industry.
After completing his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1971 at the University of Guelph, Dr. Surgeoner went on to obtain a Master’s degree in Economic Entomology in 1973, also from Guelph and a Ph.D. in Forest Entomology in 1976 from Michigan State University. Gord became an esteemed professor at the University of Guelph in Environmental Biology and Plant Agriculture, where he remained on faculty until his retirement in 2004.
Seconded from the University of Guelph in 1999, Gord became the President of Ontario Agri-Food Technologies, a non-profit organization consisting of members from farm associations, universities/colleges, industry and regional governments. The organization focuses on ensuring that Ontario producers have access to the latest technologies to compete globally and to develop new market opportunities, many of which are beyond food.
In September, 2005 Dr. Surgeoner was invested with the Order of Ontario. This distinguished award recognizes Dr. Surgeoner's significant contribution to Ontario's agri-food sector.
In addition, Gord has received the 1989 Distinguished Teaching Award from the Ontario Agricultural College Alumni Association, the 1994 T.R. Hilliard Award for Notable Contribution to Agricultural Extension in the Province of Ontario, the 2002 Award for Contribution to Advancing the Benefits of Biotech for Canadians, the 2007 University of Guelph Alumnus of Honour Award, the 2011 Life Sciences Ontario Community Service Award, and is a recipient of the Queen’s Golden (2002) and Diamond Jubilee (2012) Awards. Most recently, Gord was inducted into the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame in June, 2014, received the 2014 University of Guelph MBA Leadership Recognition in Agribusiness and Food Award, was inducted into the Wellington County Agricultural Hall of Fame in September 2014, received the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association Award for Outstanding Dedication to the Advancement of Renewable Fuels in Canada in December 2014 and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Guelph Chamber of Commerce in 2015.
Gord is a strong advocate for Canadian agriculture, the Canadian regulatory system and the opportunities Canada has in a global marketplace.
Effective September 2014, Gord retired as President of Ontario Agri-Food Technologies, but continues to advocate on behalf of Canadian agriculture as an Associate with OAFT and through various Board positions. Gord is currently semi-retired and working with agriculture producers and food processors on sustainability initiatives.
Dedicated leader is perhaps the best way to describe Gord Surgeoner. During his 30-year career, he has worked tirelessly to promote initiatives and champion causes that he believes are important to the well-being of the agri-food industry.
After completing his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1971 at the University of Guelph, Dr. Surgeoner went on to obtain a Master’s degree in Economic Entomology in 1973, also from Guelph and a Ph.D. in Forest Entomology in 1976 from Michigan State University. Gord became an esteemed professor at the University of Guelph in Environmental Biology and Plant Agriculture, where he remained on faculty until his retirement in 2004.
Seconded from the University of Guelph in 1999, Gord became the President of Ontario Agri-Food Technologies, a non-profit organization consisting of members from farm associations, universities/colleges, industry and regional governments. The organization focuses on ensuring that Ontario producers have access to the latest technologies to compete globally and to develop new market opportunities, many of which are beyond food.
In September, 2005 Dr. Surgeoner was invested with the Order of Ontario. This distinguished award recognizes Dr. Surgeoner's significant contribution to Ontario's agri-food sector.
In addition, Gord has received the 1989 Distinguished Teaching Award from the Ontario Agricultural College Alumni Association, the 1994 T.R. Hilliard Award for Notable Contribution to Agricultural Extension in the Province of Ontario, the 2002 Award for Contribution to Advancing the Benefits of Biotech for Canadians, the 2007 University of Guelph Alumnus of Honour Award, the 2011 Life Sciences Ontario Community Service Award, and is a recipient of the Queen’s Golden (2002) and Diamond Jubilee (2012) Awards. Most recently, Gord was inducted into the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame in June, 2014, received the 2014 University of Guelph MBA Leadership Recognition in Agribusiness and Food Award, was inducted into the Wellington County Agricultural Hall of Fame in September 2014, received the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association Award for Outstanding Dedication to the Advancement of Renewable Fuels in Canada in December 2014 and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Guelph Chamber of Commerce in 2015.
Gord is a strong advocate for Canadian agriculture, the Canadian regulatory system and the opportunities Canada has in a global marketplace.
Effective September 2014, Gord retired as President of Ontario Agri-Food Technologies, but continues to advocate on behalf of Canadian agriculture as an Associate with OAFT and through various Board positions. Gord is currently semi-retired and working with agriculture producers and food processors on sustainability initiatives.