Winnipeg geneticist and professor, Silvie Cloutier is among five women to receive the 2013 Rosemary Davis award from Farm Credit Canada (FCC). The award recognizes outstanding Canadian women for their leadership and commitment to the Canadian agriculture and agri-food industry.

Cloutier’s research has been used in plant-breeding programs to protect crops from disease, improve production and ensure the quality and safety of Canadian agricultural products. She is currently co-leading the $12-million Total Utilization Flax Genomics project aimed at improving flax production, processing and the development of new health and industrial products.

She joins fellow winners Colleen Younie, a farm management specialist from Morell, P.E.I., Julia James, a dairy farmer and youth worker from Harley, Ont., Rhonda Driediger, a berry producer and industry leader from Langley, B.C., and Pierrette Desrosieres, a psychologist and speaker from Saint-Herméngilde, Quebec.

The women will attend the 2013 Simmons School of Management Leadership Conference in Boston, in April. The internationally renowned conference provides a forum where women can learn from others and be inspired to achieve personal and professional goals.

“Women are making significant contributions to this essential industry, whether it’s through primary production, research or marketing,” said Cloutier. “This is an opportunity for leading women to share their knowledge and experience, as well as highlight their contributions to agriculture.”

“These five women are a real inspiration to all women, especially those in our industry. Each moment they devote to working and volunteering is a contribution that advances the business of Canadian agriculture and agri-food,” said Kellie Garrett, FCC senior vice-president, strategy, knowledge and reputation. “We applaud the passion of these leaders and are encouraged to see the future of our industry shine even brighter through their dedication.”

The Rosemary Davis Award was created in 2005 to honour the first female FCC board chair. Rosemary Davis was a successful agribusiness owner and operator with more than 30 years of experience in the agriculture industry.

Judging criteria include demonstrated leadership, community involvement, and making a difference in agriculture by displaying passion for the industry and a clear vision for its future.