Our president

Dr. Gord Surgeoner was born and raised in Southern Ontario and received his agricultural education at the University of Guelph and Michigan State University. His academic studies and research were in the area of entomology.

He was a professor in the Department of Environmental Biology, and then the Department of Plant Agriculture at the University of Guelph until his retirement in January, 2004.

Gord has over seventy scientific publications to his credit and serves on numerous provincial and federal advisory committees.

Since his secondment from the University of Guelph in 1999, Gord has been the President of Ontario Agri-Food Technologies, a non-profit organization consisting of members from farm associations, universities, industry and governments. The organization focuses on Ontario's participation in developing, promoting and adopting biotechnology, including bioproducts, in an ethical and environmentally conscious manner, for the agri-food sector of the province.

In September, 2005 Dr. Surgeoner was invested with the Order of Ontario. This distinguished award, presented by Lieutenant Governor James K. Bartleman, recognizes Dr. Surgeoner's significant contribution to Ontario's agri-food sector.

In addition, Gord has also received the Distinguished Teaching Award from the Ontario Agricultural College Alumni Association, the T.R. Hilliard Award for Notable Contribution to Agricultural Extension in the Province of Ontario, an endowed Chair of the University of Guelph bearing his name, the 2002 Award for Contribution to Advancing the Benefits of Biotech for Canadians, and is a recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award.

Most recently, Gord received the 2007 University of Guelph Alumnus of Honour Award.

Gord is a strong advocate for Canadian agriculture, the Canadian regulatory system and the opportunities Canada has in a global marketplace.