About Parmjit Bains: 

Parmjit Bains co-founded Westberry Farms- a processor/packer of blueberries that now markets fresh, frozen, and other blueberry products globally - and grew the enterprise into a leading blueberry operation, widely recognized for its exceptional products and sustainable practices. In addition to the development of the Westberry Farm business operations, Parmjit’s passion for farming, openness to innovation, strong community spirit, and knack for collaboration have enabled him to advance BC’s agri-food industry and help farmers develop resilience during a global pandemic and extreme climate-related weather events. Active in the non-profit sector, he has established educational links between Canada and India, as well as economic opportunities. His extensive record of involvement with UBC includes currently chairing the advisory board for the Faculty of Land and Food Systems. In 2009, Parm was recognized by the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) for his contributions to philanthropy and building community networks with an honorary Doctorate. In 2004 to 2006, Parm chaired and was instrumental in the effort to develop the BC Regional Innovation Chair on Canada-India Business and Economic Development, and the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies at UFV. In 2006, Parm was the catalyst to initiate and develop a Centre for India-Canada Studies at Panjab University in Chandigarh, India. This November 2023, at the annual alumni UBC Achievement Awards, Parmjit Bains will receive the Alumni Award of Distinction. This award is provided to individuals who, through extraordinary endeavours, have demonstrated their commitment to an exceptional UBC and a better world

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