Ken Macpherson – 2026 Honorary Life Award Recipient

Ken Macpherson has devoted a lifetime to advancing seed crop inspection and supporting Canada’s seed sector. Raised on a mixed farm in Glanworth, Ontario, he was actively involved in farm operations until age 28, developing a strong foundation in agriculture that would guide his career.

After earning a diploma in Agriculture Production and Management from Ridgetown College in 1983, Ken began his career as a Corn Research Technician with Limagrain. In 1990, he joined Agriculture Canada as a Primary Inspector in the Feed, Fertilizer and Seed Programs in London, Ontario. He continued in the Fertilizer and Seed programs through the formation of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in 1997, rising to Supervisor in 2007. Over more than 35 years, Ken inspected a wide variety of seed crops, including cereals, soybeans, hybrid corn, canola, and field beans, and has played a pivotal role in ensuring inspections were conducted to the highest standards.

Ken was instrumental in the transition to the Licensed Seed Crop Inspector (LSCI) program between 2012 and 2014 and became a trusted mentor, trainer, and coach to an entire generation of agricultural input inspectors—including those in seed, feed, fertilizer, and pesticide programs—across southwestern Ontario. His guidance and expertise made him a valued resource not only for CFIA colleagues but also for the Seed Section, CSGA, and the broader seed sector.

Throughout his career, Ken received numerous awards recognizing his leadership, innovation, and commitment to workplace wellness and excellence, including the CFIA Innovation Award (2004), Leadership Awards (2010–2011), and Awards of Excellence (2013, 2020). In 2024, he received the Distinguished Career Award, honoring his decades of service to federal agriculture programs. Upon retirement in 2025, Ken continued to support seed crop inspections as a Licensed Seed Crop Inspector with AgCall CropInspect.

The CSGA Honorary Life Award recognizes Ken Macpherson’s lifelong dedication to seed crop inspection, his outstanding mentorship and leadership, and his lasting contributions to the betterment of Canadian agriculture.