July 31, 2013, Langley, B.C. — Earlier this year, Susan Davidson, who
has been at the forefront of the Lower Mainland’s organic agriculture
sector for over 20 years, received an honorary Doctor of Laws during
Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) convocation ceremony.
July 31, 2013, Langley, B.C. — Earlier this year, Susan Davidson, who has been at the forefront of the Lower Mainland’s organic agriculture sector for over 20 years, received an honorary Doctor of Laws during Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) convocation ceremony.
Susan is known as an entrepreneur, fundraiser, leader in her community and founder of Glorious Organics Cooperative.
Her major priority and passion has been to grow the capacity of the organic agriculture sector in support of small-scale farms using sustainable practices.
“I am so honoured to receive such distinguished recognition” said Davidson.
“Working together in education-industry-community partnerships is critical to deepening the resilient networks we need to feed our bodies and souls in these threatening times.”
'A DESERVING LEADER'
Davidson’s achievements in sustainable food production, her vision and hope for the future and her contributions to the local community “are tremendously admirable,” said Dr. Alan Davis, president and vice-chancellor, KPU. “We are delighted to present this award to such a deserving leader.”
In the realm of organic food production, Davidson has developed a reputation as one of the foremost producers in the Fraser Valley, always providing her customers with the highest quality produce.
As a leader in her field, the presence of her market tent is sought after by managers of farmers markets throughout the region. She has also become a valiant supporter of the “Farm Folk-City Folk Seeds” project, mastering technical challenges to provide viable genetic material (seeds) for use by future generations.
'THE HARVEST OF OUR COLLABORATIVE INSIGHTS AND ACTIONS'
As part of her acceptance speech, and with her trademark style of humility, Davidson recognized the partnerships that are now vital to ensuring food security, saying that “anything I have accomplished or may yet do, has been, and will be, the harvest of our collaborative insights and actions.
"It is my deeply held belief that the resilient social fabric woven by love, in all its many expressions, is essential to addressing the challenges we face in 2013.”
She also recognized the new era of educational partnerships that is the hallmark of Kwantlen.
“I salute Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s vision to move out beyond their ivory towers of academe into the communities they serve. It is indeed an act of courage for you to bestow this prestigious recognition on a local small-scale organic farmer such as myself!
'SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE'
“Thank you on behalf of all of us who are committed to furthering the principles and practices of sustainable agriculture. The Langley Community Farmers Market is a fine example of an inspiration born at a Green Wednesday film shown in your Langley auditorium back in 2008. It has grown roots and become a hub of commerce and conviviality.”
As Kwantlen opens its own new chapter with the formation of a new Department of Sustainable Agriculture, and the establishment of a new Institute for Sustainable Food Systems, Davidson showed her personal raison d’etre and the sense of humour that is always part of her imparting new ideas to those around her and reflects Kwantlen’s belief that education is better when it’s fun.
“In closing, I invite you to join me in doing our best to heal our sad and beautiful Planet and ensure the possibility of a healthy future for all. Why? Because our Earth is the only known place in the Universe with dark chocolate and Earl Grey tea!”
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