Elias Elias, NDSU durum wheat breeder and University Distinguished Professor, received the United States Durum Growers Association’s 2012 Amber Award during the Crop Outlook and International Durum Forum luncheon in Minot, N.D., Nov. 13. The Amber Award recognizes an individual whose commitment and passion for the durum industry has shown in their production, research or education efforts.
Elias leads the NDSU durum wheat breeding and genetics program. The ultimate goal of the program is to develop improved durum wheat germplasm that will maximize the economic return to the producers using minimum input and provide excellent quality durum wheat to the pasta industry and the international export market. Elias has more than 20 years of professional experience in academia, research and industry and has been recognized both nationally and internationally for his research focused on advancing the durum industry.
“Dr. Elias is a tremendous asset to the durum industry,” said association president Keith Deutsch. “His outstanding research efforts continue to advance the durum industry.”
The United States Durum Growers Association’s mission is to increase the profitability of durum production through effective market development and promotion and coordinated communication and educational outreach.
NDSU is recognized as one of the nation's top 108 public and private universities by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.