Dr. Martin Entz (UM Plant Sci), Professor in Natural Systems Agriculture and newly appointed inaugural Jarislowsky Chair in Natural Systems Agriculture for Climate Solutions. He received his PhD from the University of Saskatchewan in 1988 and worked as a farm manager and research agronomist before embarking on his academic career.
“The goal of my program is to discover new ways of farming ecologically; to empower farmers with knowledge to design organic and ecological farming systems adapted to where they live; and to engage students in this exciting process”. He leads the Glenlea study – Canada’s oldest organic-conventional farming systems comparison study, which is in its 32nd season. In 2011, Martin started Canada’s first farmer participatory wheat and oat breeding program focussed on organic production. “Farmer involvement is an important part of my research program”. Entz currently leads the “Nature-based agriculture for climate resilience in East Africa” project and has engaged students in international research projects in Central and South America. The quality of his research, teaching, and mentorship of students has been recognized with the Leadership in Organic Science Award in 2019.