Ontario recently celebrated outstanding contributions to its agri-food industry through the 2024 Excellence in Agriculture Awards.
Recognizing the dedication of farmers, processors, organizations, and businesses, the awards highlight the efforts driving growth in Ontario’s $50.7 billion agri-food sector.
The prestigious Minister’s Award went to Farm & Food Care Ontario. This organization is dedicated to building connections between farmers and consumers, raising awareness about local food through initiatives like “The Real Dirt on Farming” and events such as Breakfast on the Farm.
The group’s efforts strengthen public trust in Ontario’s food production and foster a better understanding of agriculture.
In addition to Minister's award, 12 winners and 16 honorable mentions were awarded across 11 categories, showcasing innovation and commitment to local food and sustainability.
The list of Award winners, 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 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, emphasized the importance of these awards in recognizing the passion and talent that sets Ontario’s agri-food sector apart globally. "Our government is committed to supporting these leaders in establishing a thriving and dynamic food sector," he noted.
The Excellence in Agriculture Awards support Ontario’s Grow Ontario Strategy, which promotes the consumption of locally sourced food and highlights the importance of Ontario-grown products in sustaining the agri-food supply chain.
With over 871,000 people employed in Ontario’s agri-food industry, representing one in nine jobs, the awards acknowledge the sector’s significant role in the province’s economy.
These awards encourage Ontarians to support local food, creating a stronger, more resilient agriculture sector for future generations.