The provincial government is establishing a new annual award to recognize Islanders who have achieved success in sustainable food production and marketing. The award will be called the Honourable Gilbert R. Clements Award of Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture. It is being named in honour of the Lieutenant-Governor's contributions as a citizen and former cabinet minister in increasing awareness of the importance of the environment to the economy and society.
The award was announced by Agriculture and Forestry Minister Eric Hammill during the Sustainability in Agriculture Conference in Charlottetown on Friday evening. The Lieutenant-Governor was present when the award was announced.
"In establishing this award we are underlining the importance of sustainable agriculture to our environment, the economy and society and we have named it in honour of one who throughout his life has epitomized those values," said Mr. Hammill.
The details of the award will be announced in the near future and nominations will be invited for those Islanders who have achieved success in the production, processing or marketing of food and agricultural products through sustainable practices. The first award will be presented this year.
Mr. Hammill said the award reflects the objectives of the new Food Strategy to produce and market high quality, high value products from a healthy environment. The establishment of an award to recognize outstanding conservation efforts was recommended by the Round Table on Resource Land Use and Stewardship.