The founder and director of the Food and Agriculture Institute at University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) in Abbotsford is among 78 nominees for a YWCA Women of Distinction Award.
Lenore Newman is nominated in the category of Environmental Sustainability.
In her role at UFV, Newman leads a research program focusing on sustainable food systems and agricultural technologies.
She also works to influence food policy and land-use planning in B.C., serving on the premier’s food security task force and the minister of agriculture’s task force on revitalizing the ALR.
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Newman has conducted extensive research into agricultural land preservation, both in Canada and internationally.
The Women of Distinction Awards honour individuals and organizations whose outstanding activities and achievements contribute to the well-being and future of the community.
There are 12 nomination categories, and recipients will be announced at the gala awards dinner on May 9 at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver.
As well, the public can cast their votes online until April 12 at noon at ywcavan.org/women-distinction-awards, and the nominee with the most votes receives the Connecting the Community Award.
Scotiabank will donate $10,000 to the YWCA program area of the winner’s choice.