Award Honorees

Paddy was one of the first organic farmers in the Cariboo Region of British Columbia in the 1980s, raising sheep and garden vegetables. For nearly two decades, Paddy led the Canadian organic community, first in British Columbia and then nationally, to work for clear organic standards and a system of verification that supports continuous improvement within the organic industry and preserves consumer confidence.



Paddy was one of the founding directors of the Certified Organic Associations of British Columbia (COABC), which, together with the BC government, developed the first legislation-based organic accreditation/ certification program in Canada. Known for his resourcefulness in bringing diverse communities together, Paddy managed the historic pan-Canadian effort to develop an organic regulation for Canada. His peers and other stakeholders attribute the achievement of Canada’s Organic Products Regulations, to his exceptional leadership and perseverance.