Award Recipients

The following are awards given out to distinguished individuals who have contributed to the betterment of Canadian Agriculture.

The CSGA Honorary Life Award is presented to persons who, by distinguished services to the Association, have contributed to the betterment of Canadian agriculture.

The Robertson Associate Award is awarded to those members who have fulfilled with utmost fidelity and success their obligation to the Association.

The Clark-Newman-Clayton Award is in recognition of a person who has made an exceptional contribution to pedigreed seed production in Canada and to agriculture through research, plant breeding or administration. The recipient is to choose a Canadian University who will be requested to name a suitable post-graduate student to receive a $2,500 grant from CSGA. The postgraduate student must be personally involved in a seed related project of value to seed growers.

2023 Recipients
2022 Recipients
2020 Recipients
2019 Recipients
2018 Recipients
2017 Recipients
2016 Recipients
2015 Recipients
Previous Recipients

2025 Award Recipients

CSGA Honorary Life Award

Art Gorda

Art Gorda, a dedicated crop inspector from Willingdon, Alberta, has spent his career ensuring the quality of pedigreed seed production. After earning a Diploma in Plant Science from Olds College in 1970, he joined Agriculture Canada in 1974, where he worked for 35 years before continuing with Westgreen Crop Inspection post-retirement.

Passionate about agriculture, he has trained over 70 crop inspectors and contributed to industry advancements. Married to Lillian since 1973, Art appreciates her support during his many summers spent in the field. Looking back, he remains grateful for a career spent walking fields and working with dedicated seed growers. Learn more about Art here.

Dr. Peter Pauls

Dr. Karl Peter Pauls, University Professor Emeritus at the University of Guelph, has devoted 41 years to plant science research, teaching, and leadership. His work in cellular and molecular plant development, agronomic traits, and bean breeding has led to 50 CFIA-registered bean varieties, including the Dynasty Dark Red Kidney Bean. A mentor to over 70 graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, Dr. Pauls has significantly advanced plant breeding and genomics. Recognized with numerous awards, he has published 193 peer-reviewed articles and continues to shape the future of crop research and agricultural innovation. Learn more about Peter here.

Robertson Association Award

André Lussier

Montreal-born André Lussier developed a passion for farming through visits to his uncle’s dairy farm. While studying agriculture at McGill’s Macdonald College, he met Marie-Josée Hébert, and together they built their farming future in Saint-Hyacinthe. They focus on seed production, growing wheat, barley, soybeans, and peas.

Beyond his work on the farm, André has been deeply involved in the agricultural community. He served on the board of the Producteurs de Semences du Québec and spent five years with the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association (CSGA) as a Seed Grower Director from 2015 to 2022. A proponent of sustainable farming, he adopted digestate fertilization to improve soil health. Today, he oversees a 160-hectare farm while advocating for innovation in Canadian agriculture.

Ron Markert

Ron Markert has dedicated his life to the seed industry, continuing a family legacy that spans over 73 years. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Alberta, he returned home to farm, producing his first pedigreed seed crop in 1977. Over his 48-year career, he achieved Select Cereal and Select Oilseed Grower status and played a vital role in industry leadership. He served as President of the Alberta/BC Seed Growers’ Board, was a National Board member of the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association, and helped establish SeedNet. Ron also contributed to the Seed Synergy Collaboration Project through his work on the Grassroots Committee and the Oversight Committee, helping guide discussions on governance and the future of the sector.

Beyond agriculture, Ron and his wife, Louise, have raised three children, all involved in the industry, and now enjoy time with their six grandchildren. As they ease into retirement, they split their time between family, farming, and improving their golf game in Victoria. Grateful for the friendships and opportunities the seed industry has given him, Ron considers being a seed grower one of the best decisions of his life.

Jonathan Nyborg

Jonathan Nyborg has spent his life dedicated to agriculture, leadership, and community service. For over 30 years, he was a pedigreed seed grower while serving in leadership roles with the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association including President, following in his father’s footsteps, and various community boards. Jonathan also played a key role in the Seed Synergy Collaboration Project. A Volunteer Firefighter for 35 years, he has always prioritized public service.

In 2023, he transitioned to the Heavy Civil Construction industry, continuing his hands-on work in the field. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Jonathan values family above all. His time with CSGA remains one of his most cherished experiences, reflecting his passion for the seed industry and its people.

Joe Rennick

Joe Rennick, a pedigreed seed grower from Milestone, Saskatchewan, has dedicated his life to advancing the Canadian seed sector. A third-generation seed producer, he and his wife, Bernadette, built a successful seed farm and Registered Seed Establishment while also investing in Emerald Seed Products. Joe served in leadership roles with the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association for over 20 years, including as President from 2020 to 2022, leaving a lasting impact on the sector.

Beyond agriculture, Joe is a devoted family man and active community member, involved in local organizations like the Milestone Prairie Players and WaWa Shriners. He and Bernadette recently celebrated 50 years of marriage and enjoy time with their 11 grandchildren. Now retired, Joe treasures family gatherings, morning coffees, and walleye fishing with friends, embracing the simple joys of farm life. Learn more about Joe here.

Clark-Newman-Clayton Award Award

Dr. Pierre Hucl

Dr. Pierre Hucl is a renowned plant breeder and professor at the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre (CDC). Since 1990, he has developed over 90 crop varieties, specializing in bread wheat, specialty wheats, and canaryseed. His work has significantly advanced food security and sustainable agriculture in Western Canada. Dr. Hucl earned his master’s at the University of Guelph and his Ph.D. in Saskatchewan. His research focuses on breeding high-yielding, disease-resistant wheat while maintaining quality, with ongoing industry-funded projects. A prolific scientist, he has published over 220 peer-reviewed articles and is a strong advocate for farmer-funded breeding programs.

Beyond his research, Dr. Hucl enjoys walking soccer and cooking, often experimenting with pulses and seafood. His dedication to plant breeding continues to shape the future of agriculture. Learn more about Pierre here.

2023 Award Recipients

CSGA Honorary Life Award