Article

Edgar Spinney Archibald

Published Online May 15, 2008

Last Edited December 16, 2013

Edgar Spinney Archibald, agriculturalist (b at Yarmouth, NS 12 May 1885; d at Ottawa 23 Jan 1968). Archibald's greatest contribution to Canadian agriculture was his dedicated and active support of scientists in the Experimental Farms Service, of which he was director 1919-51.

Edgar Spinney Archibald

Edgar Spinney Archibald, agriculturalist (b at Yarmouth, NS 12 May 1885; d at Ottawa 23 Jan 1968). Archibald's greatest contribution to Canadian agriculture was his dedicated and active support of scientists in the Experimental Farms Service, of which he was director 1919-51. Although his training was in livestock, he recognized the importance of all disciplines contributing to food production. He chaired the Tobacco Enquiry Committee (1928), the program committee for the World Grain Exhibition and Conference at Regina (1933), and helped form the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration, which developed successful soil-conservation practices between 1935 and 1951. He received 3 honorary degrees and several fellowships and other honours, including Companion of the Order of Canada. A mountain in the Yukon is named after him.