The Elmer Marth Educator Award is a highly esteemed honor bestowed by the International Association for Food Protection. (IAFP). Nelson-Jameson's sponsorship of the Elmer Marth Award aligns with its commitment to enhancing food safety and efficiency within the supply chain. This initiative not only pays tribute to Professor Marth's significant contributions to food safety and education but also motivates ongoing efforts in this critical field, supporting a broader mission to foster food safety and quality and contributing to industry advancements.
Named after the legendary Elmer Marth, a distinguished professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, this award recognizes exceptional contributions to the field of food microbiology through education, research, and outreach in food safety.
Marth's impressive career is marked by his prolific contributions to the field, with over 660 publications, including several influential books, to his name. His expertise in cheese and food safety has been instrumental in shaping industry standards. Even after his retirement from UW-Madison in 1990, Marth's dedication to the field has remained unwavering. He continues to provide valuable industry guidance and serves as a sought-after food safety consultant. In 2003, he played a pivotal role in updating and enhancing the Wisconsin Cheese Food Safety Manual, ensuring its relevance for cheese manufacturers across the state.
Marth was formally honored on January 19th at a ceremony held during the 2004 Dairy Forum in Florida with the prestigious Laureate Award from the National Cheese Institute. This esteemed recognition honors his lifelong commitment to advancing the understanding and teaching of cheese safety.
Marth's legacy as a mentor extends far and wide, having guided more than 60 graduate students over his 34-year tenure at the university. His commitment to fostering the next generation of food scientists was matched only by his dedication to the field. He also served as the respected Editor of the Journal of Food Protection for a significant 20-year period.
Marth's substantial contributions to the development and growth of the cheese industry are evident in his extensive authored publications and his invaluable food safety consultations. His expertise and guidance have left a lasting impact on the industry.
Over many years, Nelson-Jameson's strongly connected relationship with CDR and UW-Madison has been significantly enhanced by our association with IAFP, a pivotal industry organization that truly leads in food safety. Additionally, Nelson-Jameson has a rich history of being a remarkable supporter of higher education investments within our industry. This synergy makes our yearly association with them something Nelson-Jameson is genuinely proud of and happy to continue.
The Elmer Marth Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional excellence in the realms of teaching, research, and outreach efforts within the field of food safety and food protection. Recognized for their outstanding service to the public and IAFP, this award comes with a personalized plaque and a $1,500 honorarium.
By funding this award, Nelson-Jameson not only honors Professor Elmer Marth's incredible legacy but also contributes to cultivating a safer, more resilient food supply chain for future generations.
Marth's passing in 2006 was a profound loss to the field, but his enduring legacy continues to inspire and teach those working in food science and food safety.
Our mission
The Nelson-Jameson Foundation (NJF) is focused on supporting philanthropic organizations that enhance our core value as a Golden Rule Company. Grants are targeted toward charitable programs that are related to the food and dairy industries or support charities that are important to Nelson-Jameson employees and the communities in which they reside.
