The University of Saskatchewan's Dr. Bert Vandenberg has been selected as the pulse industry's top promoter, it was announced today at Pulse Days 2005, the largest pulse conference in the world.

The award is sponsored by BASF Canada, and is presented annually to an individual who has made an extraordinary contribution to the development of the pulse industry. The selection is made by the Board of Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG), an organization representing over 20,000 growers of peas, lentils, chickpeas and beans in that province.

"Dr. Bert Vandenberg has spent countless hours on the growth and development of Saskatchewan's pulse industry," said Shawn Buhr, outgoing Chairman of Saskatchewan Pulse Growers. "It is a personal honour for me to present this award to an individual who has devoted himself to advancing the science of our pulse crops, educating our growers, and investigating new markets for our products."

"It is due to the efforts of individuals such as Dr.Vandenberg that the pulse industry in Canada continues to thrive," said Jeff Bertholet, Seed Technology Manager for BASF. "BASF is proud to sponsor this annual award which ensures that these efforts do not go unnoticed. We are particularly pleased to see Dr. Vandenberg receive the award as many people at BASF have enjoyed collaborating with him over the years."

Dr. Vandenberg is a Professor and Scientist at the University of Saskatchewan's Crop Development Centre. He specializes in the genetics, breeding, production and management of pulse and special crops, but is also a well-known authority on the topics of market development and research policy. As a pulse crop breeder, Dr. Vandenberg has developed or co-developed about 50 crop cultivars including dry beans, field peas, lentils and chickpeas. He has initiated new breeding programs for several new pulse crops and new market classes. He has been involved in pulse crop research and development for nearly 20 years and is considered one of the world's foremost experts in this area.

SPG represents over 20,000 pulse crop producers in Saskatchewan. Accountable to growers and funded through a mandatory check-off, SPG has a producer-elected board of directors comprised of seven pulse growers. With a legislated mandate to build a prosperous pulse industry in Saskatchewan, SPG invests in research and market development and promotes sustainable innovation, growth and success through leadership, collaboration and support.