The Government of Ontario is proud to recognize 12 winners and 7 honourable mentions of the 2025 Excellence in Agriculture Awards. Presented across 10 categories, these awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations that are strengthening Ontario’s $51 billion agri-food sector. 

“I’m proud to recognize the winners and honourable mentions of the 2025 Excellence in Agriculture Awards for their hard work and commitment to building a stronger, more competitive agri-food sector,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Their contributions drive the success of our sector and pave the way for the next generation, ensuring Ontario agriculture continues to thrive.” 

The 2025 Minister’s Award recipient is Growing Chefs! Ontario, located in Middlesex County. Growing Chefs! Ontario is a registered charity that is advancing food literacy by connecting chefs, growers, educators and community members through hands-on food education projects. Its in-school programming has reached over 5,000 students, contributed to provincial curriculum development, and continues to support greater access to food through community gardens, nutrition programs, and food box distribution, while building partnerships that strengthen local food systems across Ontario. 

2025 Award Recipients:

Minister’s Award

• Growing Chefs! Ontario – Middlesex County 

Research and Innovation Excellence

• Haven Greens – Regional Municipality of York
• Vineland Research and Innovation Centre – Regional Municipality of Niagara

Food Processing Excellence

• BMKC Canada Inc. – Bruce County 

Education Excellence

• Growing Chefs! Ontario – Middlesex County
• Hillmanor Holsteins – Perth County

Promotional Excellence

• Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers – Essex County

Supply Chain Excellence

• Stone Bridge Flour – Bruce County

Indigenous, Métis or Inuit-owned Businesses or Community Excellence

• Alexiou Farms – Simcoe County

Farm Family Excellence

• The Fifty Acre Garden – Simcoe County

Women’s Excellence

• Canadian Women in Food – City of Toronto

Youth Excellence

• Konrad Borowski, Beekon – Regional Municipality of Waterloo 

Northern Business Excellence

• Northern Wildflowers – Greater Sudbury

2025 Honourable Mentions:

Food Processing Excellence

• Stone Bridge Flour – Bruce County

Education Excellence

• Ontario Farmland Trust and the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (University of Guelph) – Wellington County

Supply Chain Excellence

• Guelph Poultry Veterinary Services – Wellington County

Farm Family Excellence

• Goldsmith’s Farm Market and Bakery – Grey County

Women’s Excellence

• Donna Small, Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority – Municipality of Chatham-Kent
• Hereward Farms – Dufferin County

Northern Business Excellence

• Cornell Farms – Rainy River District

Source:  Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness November 8, 2025 news release