Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Dr. Gord Surgeoner Named to the Ontario Agriculture Hall of Fame

Gord Surgeoner, widely known for his significant contributions over a long and varied career as a scientist, educator and agri-food booster in biotechnology and cutting-edge manufacturing, is about to be inducted into the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame in Milton.

The Fergus native said Wednesday he felt honoured, highly appreciated the recognition, but was "humbled, too" because of the illustrious inductees that have preceded him.

Ironically, Surgeoner said what stands out most over a long and varied career, where he's been in constant contact with farmers, is the wealth of knowledge they have, including those without university degrees.

"There's a famous quote: Don't let you're your studies interfere with your education," he quipped.

"(I'm) very impressed with Ontario farmers and I've learned an incredible amount from them," Surgeoner said.

Not only are farmers good at what they do, but they're among the innovators he's spent a working lifetime associating with, said Surgeoner, president of Guelph-based Ontario Agri-Food Technologies, an organization promoting biotechnology and other emerging scientific expertise.

He's among four Ontarians to be inducted June 8 into the Hall of Fame Gallery at Milton's Country Heritage Park. The others are Bobcaygeon-based agricultural banker George Arnold; Dublin's Art Bolton seed producer and the late St. Marys fertilizer industry leader Robert Hutton, who died last year.

Surgeoner was an entomologist and environmental biology professor at the University of Guelph from 1976 through 2005, where he focused in particular on researching insect-borne disease control. He had a particular fascination for and expertise about mosquitoes. Among highlights, he received the Ontario Agricultural College's distinguished teaching award in 1989.

Between 1990 and 1998, he chaired the Ontario Farm Environmental Coalition.

The Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame Association noted in a release he was a "champion of new technologies to improve health, the environment, the growth of new business as well as new opportunities in the farming sector" over his career.

Between 1990 and 2000, he served as an advisor for Guelph-based AgCare, a resource and environment organization, which merged in 2011 with the Ontario Farm Animal Council. He also helped launch Ontario Agri-Food Technologies in 1998.

Surgeoner continues to regularly address agricultural organization on farm issues, and has two such speaking engagements on the horizon.

Views: 299

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Genomics and AI Programs to strengthen Canada’s agrifood sector

Protein Industries Canada announced an additional $15 million in funding to advance genomics and AI technologies bringing new tools to plant-breeders, farmers, ingredient processors and food manufacturers. Projects that will be considered could involve the development of tools that accelerate seed genetic work; supply chain optimization; on-farm information gathering; quality assurance and food safety protocols; and ingredient and food formulation. CEO of Protein Industries Canada Robert Hunter said this will enhance genetics that provide farmers with more resilient, high-performing options. “At the same time, our investment into artificial intelligence will support the development of tools that boost on-farm productivity and sustainability,” he said. “Together, these advancements—combined with our full value-chain approach—will strengthen Canada’s position as a global supplier of nutritious, functional plant-based food, feed and ingredients, while contributing to our goal of buildi

Cereals Canada provides updates on the Prairie crop

Cereals Canada has launched its Growing Season Progress Report. Cereals Canada works with provincial departments of agriculture in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba throughout the growing season to gather information on seeding, crop conditions and quality, and harvest progress for spring wheat. The information is compiled and presented in an interactive, user-friendly format with maps, provincial highlights, and links to crop reports. Historical data for the past five years is also available for comparison purposes. Global buyers use the interactive report to stay informed, according to Leif Carlson, Cereals Canada director of market intelligence and trade policy. “With most wheat acres located in the Prairies, the report provides global buyers with a glimpse into how the Canadian wheat crop is progressing, from seeding to harvest,” Carlson said. “Global customers want to be kept informed about how the Canadian wheat crop is progressing over the growing season. We make it easy f

Applications Are Now Being Accepted for the 2025 Regional Knowledge Mobilization Initiatives Funding Program

The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is pleased to announce that the funding program for regional knowledge mobilization initiatives has been renewed, and applications are now being accepted. The application deadline is June 13, 2025, at 11:59 PM MT.  Funding is available for, but not limited to, events. The knowledge mobilization events eligible for funding must involve beef producers and be aligned with the Canadian Beef Research and Technology Transfer Strategy. While recurring event sponsorship is not eligible, innovative knowledge mobilization activities held independently or in conjunction with existing events will be considered.  Preference will be given to: New and innovative engagement ideas such as presenting information in a new format or demonstrating a new technology Workshops and tours related to water quality, water management and winter and summer water system choices and maintenance Demonstrations and workshops on biosecurity practices for improved calf health

Cereals Canada Launches its 2025 Growing Season Progress Report

With Canada's 2025 spring wheat crop underway, Cereals Canada has resumed regular updates to its interactive Growing Season Progress Report. The report will continue to be updated until harvest is complete across all three Prairie provinces.

WWF-Canada scaling up seed orchard program to address seed shortage across Canada

This spring, WWF-Canada is scaling up an initiative to help restore ecosystems across Canada by increasing the native plant seed supply. The organization awarded grants to 13 First Nations, organizations and businesses in five provinces to support the establishment and expansion of seed orchards — native plant growing operations that produce the locally-sourced seed needed for habitat restoration projects.

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service