Alexander Runciman is recognized as one of Canada’s most influential leaders and spokesmen in the development of prairie and national agricultural policies.

As president of the United Grain Growers Limited and subsidiaries from 1961 to 1981, he played many important roles in the expansion and development of markets for Canadian grains and grain products. Serving as first president of the Rapeseed Association of Canada, and first chairman of the Canada Grains Council, he provided outstanding leadership in the formation and direction of those organizations.

Throughout his career, Mr. Runciman was active on many committees and boards, including advisor to several international wheat agreement negotiations, and delegate to International Federation of Agricultural Producers’ conferences. He served as governor of the Agricultural Economics Research Council of Canada from 1969 to 1972.

Alexander Runciman has served the agricultural industry and his community with distinction. In 1967, he was awarded the Centennial Medal and became Honourary Chief of the Blackfoot Tribe, Cluny, Alberta. He received the Manitoba Centennial Medal in 1971, the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977, and in 1979 was named Honourary Colonel, The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada.