BC Agriculture Council (BCAC) is the lead industry advocate for key sector-wide priorities in British Columbia.
This award honours individuals who:
- Demonstrate outstanding communication and advocacy skills.
- Exhibit the highest levels of professionalism, performance, innovation, judgment, and problem-solving skills.
- Individual achievement; commitment, dedication, initiative and persistence, communications with large number of farmers.
- Is successful in their farm operation.
- Encourage personal development, partnerships, collaboration, and respect.
- Serve as a role model, mentor, diplomat, and inspiration and,
- Where efforts and commitments have made a significant positive impact on for their sector and or the agriculture and agri-food industry.
Eligibility:
The award is open to agricultural producers that are operating a farm or a person that represents a farm organization in BC. This includes owner-operators of farms; managers of cooperative partnerships and corporate farms; part or full time farmers in any field of agricultural production.
Evaluation:
Candidates will be assessed in four key areas:
- Contributions to agriculture – impact of achievements on agriculture
- Contributions to the community; and
- Provincial or national recognition, and
- Standards of leadership, integrity, accomplishment, and performance
Selection Process:
- The selection committee will be appointed by the BCAC Board of Directors.
- When evaluating nominations, the Selection Committee will be guided by, but not limited to, the criteria as listed in the Criteria for Evaluation above.
Award Presentation and Publicity:
- The winner will be notified in advance of the presentation but will be asked to keep the decision confidential until the formal presentation is made.
- The winner will receive a trophy in recognition of their achievement.
- BCAC will publicize the winner through media relations activities and advertising as deemed appropriate
Past Award Winners
Congratulations to the 2025 award winner:
BC Agriculture Council’s Award for Excellence in Agriculture Leadership
Rhonda Driediger, Driediger Farms & Blueridge Produce
Congratulations to the 2024 award winner:
BC Agriculture Council’s Award for Excellence in Agriculture Leadership
Glen Lucas, General Manager – BC Fruit Growers’ Association
Congratulations to the 2023 award winner:
BC Agriculture Council’s Award for Excellence in Agriculture Leadership
Ben Brandsema, Nature Glen Dairy
Congratulations to the 2022 award winner:
BC Agriculture Council’s Award for Excellence in Agriculture Leadership
Bill Zylmans, W & A Farms
Congratulations to the 2021 award winner:
BC Agriculture Council’s Award for Excellence in Agriculture Leadership
Carmen Wakeling, Eatmore Sprouts & Greens LTD





