Dr. Michael Eskin, a distinguished professor at the University of Manitoba, will be inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame this November. Over his five-decade career, Eskin has significantly contributed to food chemistry, particularly in developing canola oil, now the third most consumed edible oil globally. His achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including the Order of Canada and the Order of Manitoba. Eskin has also mentored many scientists in the Canadian agri-food industry and is recognized globally as a leading writer in food science.

In the 1970s, Eskin’s pioneering research with Canadian plant breeders was crucial to the successful development of canola oil. His work on enzyme characterization and frying performance, along with studies on sensory qualities, preservation, nutritional benefits, and shelf-life of canola oil, significantly advanced the field. Eskin and Professor Marion Vaisey-Genser authored a key booklet on canola oil science for the Canola Council of Canada, which was translated into multiple languages and played a vital role in promoting canola oil globally. Today, canola oil is the top edible oil in Canada, with the canola industry contributing $30 billion and over 200,000 jobs nationwide.

Eskin feels extremely honoured to be inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame. “Dr. Eskin’s impact on Canadian agriculture, especially on the development of canola, is enormous,” said Martin Scanlon, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences at the University of Manitoba. “We are in awe of Dr. Eskin’s accomplishments and proud of his dedication to the University of Manitoba.”

Dr. Eskin, along with Dr. Bruce Coulman, Paul Larmer, and Dr. Charles Vincent, will be formally inducted on November 2 at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, Ontario. The Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame Association (CAHFA) honours Canadians for outstanding contributions to the agriculture and food industry.

Source: University of Manitoba