Dr. Jim Thompson, Professor and Director of the UBC Dairy Education and Research Centre, is the recipient of the 2013 Award of Excellence for Innovation in Agriculture and Agri-Food.
"B.C.’s agriculture and agri-food industry depends on innovation to keep it sustainable and competitive in increasingly challenging times,” said IAF chair, Peter Levelton.
The award honours Dr. Thompson for his contributions in facilitating innovation in his field.
"His pioneering efforts in developing UBC’s Dairy Education and Research Centre have produced significant advancements for the dairy sector in B.C. and beyond," Levelton said.
A self-sustaining operation that supports the development and adaptation of new technologies for the dairy industry, the centre is not just unique to B.C., but remains unparalleled on an international scale. The facilities are designed to support research and teaching in the areas of cattle reproduction, nutrition, housing, welfare, and nutrient and energy recovery from manure.
“It is very gratifying to be recognized for my efforts with the Centre,” says Dr. Thompson. “Taking the vision from concept to reality has been an incredible journey, and the rewards of witnessing the improvements in dairy cattle practice in the province are ongoing.”
The award celebrates the innovative thinkers in the B.C. agriculture and agri-food industry who are responsible for generating economic, environmental or social benefits to B.C. and the B.C. agriculture and agri-food industry.