INDUCTEE: Peter Dhillon Takes His Father Rashpal’s Legacy To Canadian Agricultural Hall Of Fame

Peter Dhillon is a driving force behind Canada’s growing cranberry industry. He’s at the helm of the largest cranberry farm in Canada with operations in British Columbia and Quebec. And he’s one of the largest shareholders and chair of the board of Ocean Spray, the largest cranberry cooperative in the world. A proud second-generation farmer, philanthropist and businessman, Peter gives generously of his time and resources to support a diverse range of initiatives with his strong sense of ethics and duty to enrich the agricultural industry in Canada. He’s supported the Institute for Sustainable Horticulture at Kwantlen Polytechnical University, and established the Peter P. Dhillon Centre for Business Ethics at the University of British Columbia.

TORONTO – Richberry Group proprietor Peter Dhillon takes his father Rashpal Dhillon's legacy to the Canadian Agricultural Hall Of Fame with an official induction.

Dhillon was among five accomplished agricultural leaders who were officially inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame at a special recognition banquet last Sunday November 4 as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, Ontario.

Dhillon joined Ted Bilyea, Wilf Keller, Larry Martin and Gerry Ritz among the distinguished ranks of Canadians who have made outstanding contributions to Canadian agriculture throughout their careers.

“Every inductee acknowledged the vital role of teamwork in their careers and accomplishments, and that clearly emphasizes the humble nature of these tremendous individuals,” says Guy Charbonneau, President of the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame Association. “In Canada, we enjoy a rich and innovative agri-food sector and these five men have all laid game-changing groundwork through primary plant research to building better business models, expanding trade and export markets for Canadian goods, strengthening sector opportunities and creating a bigger brand for Canadian agri-food products. Our industry and our reputation are stronger because each of these individuals have dedicated their careers, their innovation and their leadership to Canadian agriculture.”

Peter Dhillon

Nominated by Honourable Wally Oppal

Ted Bilyea

Nominated by Dr. David Chalack, Peter Hannam and Kim McConnell

Ted Bilyea is an invaluable national champion whose vision and passion have driven competitiveness and export growth for Canada’s agri-food industry. An agricultural business leader, Ted’s impact on the Canadian agriculture and food industry can be seen at a national and international level. As a pioneer in international trade, it was under his leadership during his 34-year career with Maple Leaf Foods that saw the company become Canada’s largest food exporter. His work continues as a leading consultant across the entire value chain and as a renowned expert on international trade, food and agricultural issues.

Wilf Keller

Nominated by Ag-West Bio Inc. and Canadian Canola Growers Association

Wilf Keller is a visionary leader and respected scientist who fundamentally changed plant breeding for canola in Canada and around the world. An extraordinary ambassador for biotechnology, Wilf’s 45-year career includes Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and the National Research Council. His ground-breaking work on canola breeding leaves a tremendous legacy for this Canadian crop that generates more than $26 billion in annual economic activity in Canada. Since his retirement from active research, Wilf turned his leadership to Genome Prairie and then Ag-West Bio Inc. where as CEO he secured supercluster funding for Protein Industries Canada. Wilf’s pioneering work and lifelong commitment to advancing science continue to put Canadian agriculture on the world map.

Larry Martin

Nominated by BDO Canada LLP

Larry Martin has been raising the bar on farm business management excellence for 40 years. An agricultural economist and consultant, Larry was born in the US and began his lifelong passion for Canadian agriculture at the University of Guelph. He served as executive director and CEO of the George Morris Centre, a unique agri-food think tank. At the Centre, Larry was the lead architect and instructor for the CTEAM program – a mini MBA for farmers that continues to be the only national farm business management training for Canadian producers. Larry’s analytical and inquiring nature has made his advice widely sought after by government and industry throughout his career, and his work continues as a private consultant for the agri-food sector.

Honourable Gerry Ritz

Nominated by Alberta Wheat Commission, Alberta Barley Commission and Canadian Cattlemen’s Association

The Honourable Gerry Ritz brought transformational changes to Canada’s agricultural sector as federal agriculture minister. A tireless and lifelong champion for Canadian agriculture, Gerry has been driving advances in the political arena on trade deals, policy changes and innovative investments since he entered politics in 1997. He removed the Canadian Wheat Board monopoly, pushed for free and unfettered trade to broaden market access for Canadian agriculture and agri-food products, and was the driving force behind Growing Forward. With his unwavering tenacity around the cabinet table and drive to always put farmers first, Gerry has made the Canadian agricultural sector more competitive, more profitable and more sustainable.

The Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame Association (CAHFA) honours and celebrates Canadians for outstanding contributions to the agriculture and food industry. Portraits are on display in the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame Gallery located at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. The CAHFA also publicizes the importance of inductee achievements to Canada. The Association was organized in 1960 and is administered by 12 volunteer Board of Directors located across Canada. www.cahfa.com