The Ontario government is opening nominations for the 2024 Excellence in Agriculture Awards, which recognize the outstanding efforts driving the agriculture and food industry forward. These awards celebrate farmers, processors, industry organizations, people and businesses who demonstrate excellence in their field and are paving the way towards a more sustainable and profitable industry.

“The Excellence in Agriculture Awards honour those who set a high standard and lead by example to ensure Ontario’s agriculture and food industry can continue to grow and prosper,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Our province is full of devoted and forward-thinking farmers, businesses and organizations working to grow the industry, and I look forward to celebrating their successes.”

This year, the province will recognize agricultural excellence in 12 categories:

-  Youth Excellence

-  Food Processing Excellence

-  Research and Innovation Excellence

-  Northern Business Excellence

-  Workforce Excellence

-  Women’s Excellence

-  Education Excellence

-  Supply Chain Excellence

-  Indigenous, Métis or Inuit-Owned Business or Community Excellence

-  Promotional Excellence

-  Farm Family Excellence

-  Urban Agriculture Excellence

Through this initiative, the province is encouraging the pursuit of excellence across the broader agriculture and food industry, which will be key in realizing the goals set out in the Grow Ontario Strategy.

Nominations are being accepted until July 22, 2024. You can submit a self-nomination or nominate another person or a business.

Source: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Agribusiness June 18, 2024 news release