CHEF BENSON TAKES HOME APPRECIATION AWARD     

Described as a tireless promoter for Oregon blueberries, Chef Leif Benson has been named recipient of the 2018 Blueberry Industry Appreciation Award.

Chef Leif Benson accepts the Oregon Blueberry Industry Appreciation Award at the Oregon Blueberry Conference, saying he was humbled and honored.

“Chef Benson is known as a Culinary Ambassador to Oregon, and in the blueberry industry he is known as a tireless champion, promoting blueberries at every opportunity,” said Oregon Blueberry Commission Chairman Jeff Malensky in presenting the award to Benson at the Oregon Blueberry Conference, February 19 in Salem.

“We could all use a little more support in ag and Chef Benson is one of the stalwarts in supporting us,” Malensky said.

Malensky said Benson promotes blueberries at home (in events like The Bite of Oregon) and abroad (in events like international trade shows).

In receiving the award, Benson said he was humbled and honored.

“It is such an honor,” he said. “I appreciate it very much.”