Cleanfarms wins two prestigious awards
Etobicoke, ON, November 10, 2016 – Barry Friesen, General Manager of Cleanfarms Inc. has been named Canadian Waste Sector Executive of the Year by the Ontario Waste Management Association (OWMA). Now in its fourth year, the OWMA awards recognize individuals for their outstanding contribution and leadership in the waste services industry in Canada.
“I’m deeply honoured to receive this recognition,” said Friesen. “I look forward to continuing to lead a meaningful dialogue about environmental responsibility, and contributing to sustainable waste management in Canada.”
Since 2009, Friesen developed the Cleanfarms organization from its incorporation to what it is today – a non-profit stewardship organization committed to environmental responsibility through the proper management of agricultural waste. Under his direction, Cleanfarms programs have earned a reputation of excellence around the world.
“The OWMA is extremely pleased to recognize Barry Friesen for his vision and leadership,” said Peter Hargreave, OWMA’s Chief Executive Officer. “Over the course of his career, Barry has demonstrated exceptional dedication to environmental responsibility.”
Friesen’s experience in waste-resource management spans over two decades. His enthusiasm for waste diversion was first demonstrated at the Nova Scotia Department of Environment where he assisted the province in achieving its 50 per cent waste diversion goal. As Director of Waste Management at the Niagara Region, Friesen brought in new standards and measures to ensure that all composting operations are environmentally sustainable.
Winners from the private and public sector were recognized at the Canadian Waste to Resource Conference on November 9, 2016 in Toronto.
Regional Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence Award
Cleanfarms was recently honoured with a Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence, in part due to its enhanced Ontario programming, which now includes province-wide empty seed and pesticide bag collections.
“Our team is thrilled to see innovative agriculture waste management programming like ours being recognized as an important component of Ontario’s agricultural sector,” said Friesen.
Now in its tenth year, this awards program supports and recognizes the dedication, hard work and innovation of local agri-food businesses and individuals who are adding value to existing products, helping create jobs and contributing to economic growth.
“I would like to congratulate this year’s winners of the Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence,” said Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “Their commitment to creativity and innovative leaders further strengthens Ontario’s world-class agri-food sector and contributes to our province’s continued economic growth.”
About Cleanfarms Inc.
Cleanfarms Inc. is a not-for-profit industry stewardship organization led by the plant science industry that is committed to environmental responsibility through the proper management of agricultural waste. Our programs manage agricultural plastic and other inorganic waste from farms across Canada and have earned a reputation of excellence around the world. We work together with farmers, manufacturers, retailers, distributors, municipalities and provinces to create a safe, healthy and sustainable environment.
For more information, please contact: Maja Begovic, Communications Officer, media@cleanfarms.ca
416-622-4460 ext. 2222
