At its awards night held in Victoria, B.C., the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association honoured some major industry influencers with its Honorary Life, Robertson Associate and Clark-Newman-Clayton Awards.

The Quiet Giant of Bean Breeding Gets His Due

After more than four decades of groundbreaking research, mentorship, and impact on Canadian agriculture, Dr. Peter Pauls, professor emeritus at the University of Guelph, was recognized with a prestigious award from the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association — the Honorary Life Award.

With over 50 registered bean varieties and nearly 200 scientific publications to his name, Pauls’ legacy in public plant breeding is monumental. But colleagues say it’s his humility and dedication that truly define him. “He always said, ‘Forget about the doctor part,’” one longtime collaborator shared. “He’s just Peter — down-to-earth, committed, and a true believer in public science.”

Pauls credited much of his success to those who stood beside him — fellow breeders, graduate students, industry partners, and Ontario’s bean growers. He also praised organizations like CSGA for helping get innovations out of the lab and into farmers’ hands. “Canada needs more groups like this to achieve its innovation goals,” he said.

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How These Leaders Quietly Shaped CSGA's Future - Seed World