George Webster, a potato producer from Middleton, has been presented with the first ever Canadian Agri-Food Award of Excellence for Environmental Stewardship. The presentation was made by Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lyle Vanclief during the President's Luncheon at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto. The awards recognize outstanding achievements in five areas key to the success and growth of the industry. In addition to the award for environmental stewardship, awards were presented for innovation, export performance, agriculture awareness and education, and voluntarism. There were one hundred nominations for awards in the various categories.
"I am pleased to extend my congratulations to George Webster on receiving this distinguished award," said Agriculture and Forestry Minister Mitch Murphy. "He is a leader in sustainable production practices that strengthen our economy, enhance our communities and protect our environment. In receiving this award, he has demonstrated that Prince Edward Island can be a national leader in sustainable agriculture."
Earlier this year, Mr. Webster was presented with the inaugural Honourable Gilbert R. Clements Award for Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture. The award was presented in recognition of his soil and water conservation practices, his support for the adoption of more sustainable agricultural practices and the establishment of the Maple Plains Agro-Environmental Demonstration Site in cooperation with a local environmental group.
Mr. Webster, with his son Troy, brother Bertram and nephew Jason, farm 1800 acres in a three year potato-grain-hay rotation.