For Immediate Release
August 17, 2007

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT PROMOTES ON-FARM INNOVATION

Now Accepting Applications For 2007 Premier's Award For Agri Food Innovation Excellence

FRANKFORD - The McGuinty government is recognizing innovation in the province's agriculture sector by launching the second year of the Premier's Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence, Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced today.

"Our government is proud of innovators who are contributing to the success of the province's agri-food sector," said Dombrowsky. "Ontario's innovation in the agri-food industry has many economic benefits to our province, and to the global market place. This program provides a way for government to recognize outstanding farmer-innovators, while encouraging people to share their ideas and inspire new ones."

The ministry is now accepting applications for the 2007 program. As many as 55 regional awards, valued at $5,000 each, will be presented. The recipients of the Premier's Award (up to $100,000) and the Minister's Award (up to $50,000) will be selected from the regional winners.

"Ontario farmers are among the most creative and innovative in the world," said Premier and Minister of Research and Innovation, Dalton McGuinty. "Together, we're working to make sure Ontario is the place to be when it comes to agri-food innovation."

"Being recognized for developing Mite-Away II ™ for beekeepers to control the varroa mite has really helped the industry find out about our contribution to sustainable beekeeping, greatly helping our company and the agri-food sector requiring honey bee pollination," said 2006 Premier's Award winner, David VanderDussen. "The McGuinty government's decision to recognize and encourage innovation in Ontario agriculture benefits us all."

This is just one example of how, working together, the McGuinty government is achieving results for farmers and families in rural Ontario. Other examples include:

Program applications must be received by 5 p.m. on October 31, 2007, and will be reviewed by two independent panels from across Ontario's agri-food industry. Additional information and application forms are available at www.ontario.ca/agrifoodinnovation.

- 30 -

Contacts:
Kelly Synnott
Minister's Office
416 326-6439

Brent Ross
Communications Branch
416 326-9342

Backgrounder

PREMIER'S AWARD FOR AGRI-FOOD INNOVATION EXCELLENCE

The McGuinty government values the innovative spirit of Ontario's farmers. In 2006, the Premier's Award for Agri Food Innovation Excellence was established to recognize and foster innovation in the agri-food industry. The five-year $2.5 million program encourages the development of new prosperity in our rural communities and on farms by recognizing innovations that add value to existing products, create jobs and drive economic growth.

As many as 55 regional awards, valued at $5,000 each, are presented each year. The recipients of the Premier's Award, of up to $100,000, and the Minister's Award, of up to $50,000, are selected from the regional winners.

Individuals and/or groups representing agri-food businesses and organizations can submit applications. To be eligible, at least one of the applicants must be a farmer (eligible to obtain an Ontario Farm Business Registration number). The innovation must have been developed and in use on an Ontario farm or in the planning stages of development with a business plan towards implementation. The innovation must also have potential for use on a broader basis and demonstrate a positive effect on the agricultural industry.

This year's applications must be received by 5 p.m. on October 31, 2007 and will be reviewed by two independent panels comprising a cross-section of Ontario's agri-food industry.

The following criteria will be used to identify the winning innovations: broad application, on-farm use, uniqueness and originality, stage of development, the impact or benefits of the innovation, and adoption and/or commercialization.

Additional information, guidelines and application forms are available at www.ontario.ca/agrifoodinnovation or by calling the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300.

- 30 -

Contacts:
Kelly Synnott
Minister's Office
416 326-6439

Brent Ross
Communications Branch
416 326-9342