Durham College (DC) was recently recognized for its contribution to the flourishing farming industry in Durham Region. The second-annual Celebrate Agriculture Gala, hosted by Durham Farm Connections at the Royal Ashburn Golf Club, welcomed community members to gather together in celebration of the region’s agricultural roots.

During the event, DC was awarded the Spirit of Agriculture award that recognizes the contributions of an organization that supports and champions the agriculture industry. Maureen Calhoun, associate dean, School of Science, Engineering & Technology, accepted the award on behalf of the college.

“I am extremely proud of our food and farming team,” said Calhoun. “Several years ago Durham College had a vision to create a school that could embrace a field-to-fork concept, networked with our local agricultural community. Now this concept has become reality at the Centre for Food. This award is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication students and employees put into bringing the field-to-fork vision to life.”

The field-to-fork vision is based on the harvesting, storage, processing, packaging, sale and consumption of local food. This vison continues to grow at the Centre for Food (CFF), allowing students from DC’s culinary, hospitality and horticulture programs to directly help strengthen the link between the college and the community.

“Students truly experience field-to-fork as they see the product they’ve grown in the fields and greenhouse served at Bistro ’67, the college’s teaching-inspired restaurant located in the Centre for Food,” said Calhoun.