Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
July 24, 2015
David Gehl is the 2015 recipient of the Canadian Seed Trade Association’s Seed Achievement Award.
The CSTA Seed Achievement Award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the Canadian seed industry in the private or public sector. According to nominators Rod Merryweather and Ron Weik of FP Genetics, David’s leadership at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Seed Increase Unit in Indian Head, Saskatchewan, made major contributions to Canada’s pedigreed seed business, positively impacting the livelihood of numerous farmers, seed growers and seed companies.
David Gehl is arguably the most experienced producer of Breeder seed in Canada, having worked with cereals, oilseeds, pulses and forages for 29 years. With his crew of employees, he has diligently worked to rogue, condition, store and distribute Breeder seed of hundreds of Agriculture and Agri-Food cultivars.
Over his time as the Head of the AAFC Seed Increase Unit, David implemented various new protocols for quality assurance in Breeder seed production such as heat treatment of seed for the control of seed borne Fusarium graminearum, and he was a pioneer of the production of varietal blends of midge tolerant wheat and a refuge variety.
Gehl has also been largely responsible for the coordination of AAFC’s plant breeding activities in winter nurseries. His keen attention to detail has allowed many plant breeders to accelerate their programs by adding an additional growing season each year. This has allowed for rapid advancements and shortened cycles for the commercialization of many new varieties improving the global competitiveness of Canadian farmers.
David Gehl’s impact on the pedigreed seed business is undeniable and his name is respected by plant breeders, seed growers and distributors. His role as steward of the seed industry has been recognized in many ways, including having an oats variety: AC Gehl, named after him.
The award was presented during the CSTA’s 92nd Annual Meeting in Windsor, Ontario.
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