G. Gary RUNKA Award in Agricultural Soil Science

Award descriptionA $1,000 award has been made available through an endowment established by family, professional colleagues and friends of Gary Runka for an undergraduate or graduate student in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems. The recipient must be in good academic standing and be engaged in integration of field studies focused on soils or land use studies related to land and water uses that impact agriculture and integrated resource management. Preference will be given to a candidate whose field project focuses on biophysical information, land capability/suitability interpretation, and, in collaboration with practicing professionals, the transfer of soil science knowledge to enhance agriculture and its role in building sustainable rural communities. This award honours G. Gary Runka [BSc. Ag (Soils), 1961] whose contribution to land inventory, agriculture, integrated natural resource management and land use planning helped shape British Columbia's land use policy over five decades. Gary was dedicated to the use of field knowledge as the basis for understanding and resolving land and water use issues. The award is made on the recommendation of the Faculty of Land and Food Systems and, in the case of a graduate student, in consultation with the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.