Ontario celebrates excellence in agriculture and food sector achievements
The Government of Ontario is celebrating the achievements of outstanding contributors in the agriculture and food industry through the 2024 Excellence in Agriculture Awards.
This year’s awards recognize 13 winners and 16 honorable mentions in 11 categories, reflecting the innovative spirit and dedication of those in the province’s $50.7 billion agri-food sector.
Award winners that were celebrated include:
- Research and Innovation Excellence: Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute, Brock University – Niagara
- Food Processing Excellence: Conestoga Meats – Waterloo
- Education Excellence: Foodpreneur Lab – Toronto
- Promotional Excellence: Bite of Brant – Brant; and Farm & Food Care Ontario – Guelph
- Supply Chain Excellence: Second Harvest – Toronto
- Workforce Excellence: Operation Grow – Simcoe
- Urban Agriculture Excellence: ZipGrow Inc. – Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry
- Northern Business Excellence: Bujold Farms – Rainy River
- Women’s Excellence: Jenny Carnaghan, Carncroft Farms – Durham
- Youth Excellence: Beck’s Broth – Waterloo
- Farm Family Excellence Award Winner – North: ELD Farms – Kenora
- Farm Family Excellence Award Winner – West: Schooley Orchards Ltd. & Apple Hill Lavender – Norfolk
2024 Honourable Mentions that were celebrated include:
- Research and Innovation Excellence: Croptracker – Kingston; and Dr. David Liscombe, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre - Niagara
- Food Processing Excellence: Jakeman’s Maple Products – Oxford
- Education Excellence: Dr. Amy Proulx, Niagara College – Niagara; and Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) – Wellington
- Promotional Excellence: Toronto Garlic Festival – Toronto
- Supply Chain Excellence: Sheldon Creek Dairy – Simcoe
- Workforce Excellence: CareersNOW!, Food and Beverage Ontario – Niagara
- Urban Agriculture Excellence: Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture, Durham College – Durham; and Wiijindamaan Indigenous Land Futurity and Gdoo-naaganinaa Garden, Conestoga College – Waterloo
- Northern Business Excellence: Mattagami Heights Farm – Timmins
- Women’s Excellence: Split Rail Brewing Co. – Manitoulin; and Energrow Inc. – Perth
- Youth Excellence: Mighty Harvest Produce Inc. – Durham; and Remix Snacks Inc. – York
- Farm Family Excellence: Sunningdale Farms – Simcoe
Rob Flack, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness, expressed his admiration for the recipients, noting that their passion and dedication set Ontario’s agri-food sector apart on a global stage.
“This year’s award winners inspire me and showcase the passion and talent that make Ontario agri-food competitive worldwide,” said Flack. He emphasized the government’s commitment to collaborating with industry leaders to foster an environment that supports sustained growth and innovation.
The centerpiece of the awards, the Minister’s Award, was presented to Farm & Food Care Ontario which is dedicated to fostering connections between farmers, food producers, and the public.
Known for its efforts in raising awareness about food origins and farming in Ontario, the organization hosts events such as Breakfast on the Farm and farm tours, where participants learn more about agricultural processes.
Farm & Food Care Ontario also runs educational campaigns, including The Real Dirt on Farming, which educates the public on local food sources. “Our work helps reinforce trust and confidence in local farming and food production,” said Crispin Colvin, Chair of Farm & Food Care Ontario, expressing gratitude for the award and the ongoing support of government partners.
The Excellence in Agriculture Awards are in alignment with Ontario’s Grow Ontario Strategy, a provincial plan aimed at boosting awareness of locally grown food and supporting the agri-food supply chain. This approach also encourages the consumption of high-quality, Ontario-produced food.
The agriculture and food industry in Ontario employs over 871,000 people, representing one in nine jobs across the province.
The Excellence in Agriculture Awards provide a platform to acknowledge the contributions of many agricultural employers and industry leaders who help strengthen Ontario’s food and farming sectors.
Through these awards, Ontario is spotlighting the leaders and innovators who contribute to a thriving, sustainable, and trusted local food industry.
Photo Credit: Food & Farm Care Ontario