The Government of Ontario’s annual Excellence in Agriculture Awards for 2024 is recognizing farmers, processors, industry organizations, and businesses whose contributions are strengthening growth across the province’s $50.7 billion agri-food sector. Thirteen winners and 16 honourable mentions in agriculture excellence across 11 diverse categories are being honoured for their efforts this year.

The recipient of the centrepiece Minister’s Award is Farm & Food Care Ontario, who build partnerships to help raise awareness about food and farming in Ontario. They foster meaningful connections through marketing campaigns and resources including The Real Dirt on Farming, while hosting farm tours and events such as Breakfast on the Farm. The organization also provides training to develop strong agricultural ambassadors who educate the public on where their food originates.

Here's the complete list of winners: 

2024 Award Recipients:

Minister’s Award

•  Farm & Food Care Ontario – Guelph

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
• 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

Award Winner – West

• Schooley Orchards Ltd. & Apple Hill Lavender – Norfolk

2024 Honourable Mentions:

Research and Innovation Excellence

• Croptracker – Kingston
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Energrow Inc. – Perth

Youth Excellence

• Mighty Harvest Produce Inc. – Durham
• Remix Snacks Inc. – York

Farm Family Excellence

• Sunningdale Farms – Simcoe

Source: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Agribusiness November 2, 2024 news release