St. Paul, Minn. (August 21, 2006) - The American Phytopathological Society (APS) named Pam Henderson, crops and issues editor, Farm Journal Media, the recipient of the society's first Plant Pathology Journalism Award.
The APS Plant Pathology Journalism Award recognizes outstanding achievement in increasing public awareness, knowledge, and understanding of plant pathology.
Henderson was selected for her nine-article series entitled "Asian Soybean Rust Takes Root in the U.S." This series provided a comprehensive overview of soybean rust after the disease was discovered in the continental United States in 2004. Henderson also received the Grand Neal Award for editorial achievement at the 52nd Annual Jesse H. Neal National Business Journalism Awards for this series on soybean rust. The American Agricultural Editors' Association (AAEA) also honored her with "Story of the Year" and "Writer of the " honors in 2005.
'We are very pleased to present Pam Henderson with our first plant pathology journalism award," said APS Office of Public Affairs and Education Director Doug Jardine. "We truly appreciate her efforts to educate the public about plant pathology and how this science plays an important role in keeping our food supply safe and environment healthy," he said.
Henderson received the award during the society's annual meeting that was held jointly with the Canadian Phytopathological Society and the Mycological Society of America, July 29-August 2, 2006 in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
APS will begin accepting nominations for the 2007 Plant Pathology Journalism Award in January 2007. Details on the nomination process are available at www.apsnet.org/media/PlantPathologyJournalismAward.asp.
The American Phytopathological Society (APS) is a non-profit, professional scientific organization. The research of the organization's 5,000 worldwide members advances the understanding of the science of plant pathology and its application to plant health.