Photo of Dr. Gord Surgeoner
Dr. Gord Surgeoner

Dr. Gord Surgeoner holds a BSc in Agriculture and an MSc in Economic Entomology from the University of Guelph. He obtained his PhD in Forest Entomology in 1976 from Michigan State University. Gord became an esteemed professor at the University of Guelph in Environmental Biology and Plant Agriculture, where he remained on faculty until his retirement in 2004.

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 ensuring that Ontario producers have access to the latest technologies to compete globally and to develop new market opportunities, many of which are beyond food.

In September, 2005 Dr. Surgeoner was invested with the Order of Ontario. This distinguished award recognizes Dr. Surgeoner's significant contribution to Ontario's agri-food sector. In addition, Gord has received the 2011 Life Sciences Ontario Community Service Award, the 2007 University of Guelph Alumnus of Honour Award, the 1989 Distinguished Teaching Award from the Ontario Agricultural College Alumni Association, the 1994 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 and Diamond Jubilee Awards.