A new award for journalism will honour the "remarkable contributions" of a late Chilliwack man who wrote about the agriculture industry for more than 40 years.
The B.C. Farm Writers’ Association announced the creation of the David Schmidt Legacy Award, honouring the longtime Chilliwack resident and veteran farm journalist.
The award will be handed out to B.C.-based journalists, communicators, and storytellers who produce research-based stories that delve into the heart of B.C. agriculture.
"Funded through an endowment held by the Vancouver Foundation, this annual award aims to uphold the values David championed: integrity, depth, and a commitment to sharing the stories of B.C. farmers," according to the B.C. Farm Writers’ Association.
Raised on a mixed farm in Chilliwack, Schmidt was the face of Country Life in BC for more than four decades. He died suddenly in November 2023 at the age of 73.
“No one has written more words about B.C. agriculture than David Schmidt,” said Country Life in BC colleague Cathy Glover. The publication is a monthly newspaper and has been an agricultural news source for B.C.’s farmers and ranchers since 1915.
His writing chronicled the evolution of B.C.'s agricultural sector, from its small-scale roots to the commercial operations of today.
"Known and respected for his commitment to accurate and insightful reporting and his passion for sharing the stories of B.C. farmers, David’s grasp of agriculture production, policy and economics had a rare breadth and depth," the B.C. Farm Writers’ Association stated. "As a result, his influence spanned every sector of B.C.’s diverse agricultural landscape, including producers, industry, and government."
Schmidt received numerous accolades, including the 2018 Scotiabank Champion of Agriculture Award, 2018 B.C. Dairy Industry Achievement Award and a 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian Farm Writers Federation. In 2000, he was named B.C.’s Agriculturist of the Year by the B.C. Institute of Agrologists – the only journalist ever to receive this honour.
The David Schmidt Legacy Award was officially launched on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at the B.C. Agri-Food Gala in Abbotsford. The fundraising campaign for the endowment fund with the Vancouver Foundation has begun and the goal is to raise a minimum of $20,000 to fund an annual cash award of $1,000.
Anyone wanting to contribute to the endowment fund can donate at vancouverfoundation.ca and search for “David Schmidt.” Donations over $25 will receive a charitable tax receipt.
Details of the award application process and deadline have yet to be released. The first award is expected to be presented in 2026.