Saskatoon, SK, January 9, 2023 – Gordon Bacon, former CEO, Pulse Canada and Canadian Special Crops Association (CSCA), has been recognized for the innovation he has brought to the pulse industry as recipient of the Pulse Promoter Award by Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG).

Bacon served as the CEO for Pulse Canada for 24 years, from 1997 to 2021, and was CEO of the CSCA for 16 years. He has been an active member of the Executive of the Global Pulse Confederation (GPC) since 2001 and now serves the GPC as Director, Food Systems. 

As part of a national and global pulse leadership group, Bacon worked to have the United Nations (UN) declare 2016 as International Year of Pulses and a UN designation of World Pulses Day each year in February.   

For more than two decades, Bacon has been a champion of positioning pulses as an affordable, nutritious, and healthy food. He has focused on sustainable cropping systems and reducing the ecological footprint of pulse production.  

Prior to joining Canada’s pulse industry, Bacon was Director of Market Development at the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB). He has also served as Senior Policy Advisor to a Federal Cabinet Minister in Ottawa, as well as various roles with federal and provincial departments of agriculture. 

“Canada’s pulse industry is positioned to be the leader in health, nutrition, and environmental sustainability. But that opportunity must be co-created and developed with the food sector,” says Bacon. “The necessity for dietary change in order to feed 10 billion is an important opportunity for pulses – this isn’t just about farmers and the markets we have today; this is about consumption and influencing the social drivers of change. Let’s ask ourselves ‘are we are ready?’”

“We need to be a part of the things that are already shaping the future of food,” says Bacon. “The opportunities lie within the matrix of being efficient and being transformative. I am honored to receive the Pulse Promoter award this year.”

“SPG board members and staff congratulate Gordon Bacon on being named pulse promoter,” says Shaun Dyrland, Chair with SPG.

“Gordon has been an important part of developing the pulse industry within Canada as well as positioning Canada as a strong pulse exporter,” continues Dyrland. “His work over decades established the foundation for pulse growers, processors, and industry professionals.”

The Pulse Promoter Award recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to the development of Saskatchewan’s pulse industry in the areas of production, marketing, promotion, research, extension, processing, management, and/or innovation.

Accountable to and funded by growers, SPG’s strategic direction is guided by a nine-member, grower-elected, Board of Directors. SPG’s mission is to provide leadership for profitable growth for Saskatchewan pulses.

For more information please contact:     

Amanda Carlson
Communications Manager
Saskatchewan Pulse Growers
Phone: 306-668-0116
Email: acarlson@saskpulse.com

Amber Johnson
Director of Marketing and Communications
Saskatchewan Pulse Growers
Phone: 306-668-3668
Email: ajohnson@saskpulse.com