Canadian Business Top CEO for 2009 on harnessing agricultural innovation

CALGARY , Dec. 2 /CNW/ - The ability to harness agricultural innovation is one of the reasons Viterra President and CEO Mayo Schmidt was named Canadian Business's top Canadian CEO for 2009. Schmidt will draw on his experiences at the helm of Viterra to inspire others in Canada's agricultural industry to tap into the opportunities that surround them when he speaks at the GrowCanada(R) conference Thursday, December 3 .

Viterra's transformation over the past 10 years is a compelling story that has relied heavily on innovation to move vital food supplies from areas of abundance to areas of need. As a global ingredients company, Viterra is committed to sustainability, stewardship and the right research and development to ensure it is able to keep up with growing demand for food now and in the future.

Known as an agricultural powerhouse and represented in the northern and southern hemispheres, Viterra has extended and deepened its links between farmers and destination customers, including leading global food manufacturers, to supply high quality food ingredients delivered on-time, to specification and with the highest consistency.

Media are invited to attend the conference, which is being held at the Hyatt Regency Calgary , 700 Centre St. S.E in the Imperial Room. Please register in the Grand Foyer 1 upon arrival.

Mr. Schmidt 's presentation will begin at approximately 9:40 a.m. Dec. 3 .

A full listing of conference speakers can be found at http://www.growcanadaconference.ca/2009/about.php

For further information: Nadine Sisk, Director Media Relations, P: [phone], [email protected]