September 3, 2008
NEWS
Innovators in the province's agriculture and food industry
are encouraged to apply for awards under the Premier's Agri-Food Innovation
Excellence Award program, now accepting applications until December
1, 2008.
The $2.5-million, five-year program (currently in its
third year) was established to recognize innovators who contribute to
the success of Ontario's agri-food sector.
The awards program includes the Premier's Award (up to
$100,000), the Minister's Award (up to $50,000) and up to 55 regional
awards of $5,000 each.
Program applications must be received by December 1, 2008,
and will be reviewed by two independent panels made up of representatives
from across Ontario's agri-food industry. Additional information and
application forms are available on the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture,
Food and Rural Affairs website.
QUOTES
"This awards program is a great way to showcase the
wonderful diversity of products Ontario's farmers provide. By encouraging
more ideas and innovations, we are helping to build a stronger future
for this and the next generation of Ontarians." - Premier
of Ontario, Dalton McGuinty.
"Ontario's farmers have helped build a world-class
agri-food sector in this province. By recognizing their hard work and
investing in their innovative ideas, we can help farmers pursue new
markets, attract investment and strengthen our rural communities."
- Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture,
Food and Rural Affairs.
QUICK FACTS
• Since its launch in 2006, the Premier's Award for
Agri-Food Innovation Excellence has attracted 358 applications highlighting
on-farm innovations.
• Ontario's agri-food sector is the second-largest
goods manufacturing industry in the province (after the auto industry)
and contributes $30 billion to the economy every year.
LEARN MORE
Download your guidebook and application
for the Premier's Award for Agri-Food Innovation.
See videos of previous award
winning innovations and discover the variety of previous award-winning
on-farm innovations at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
website.
Learn more about other government programs supporting
innovation in Ontario by visiting the Ministry of Research and Innovation
website.
Backgrounder
PREMIER'S AWARD FOR AGRI-FOOD INNOVATION EXCELLENCE
About the Program
New innovations and ideas developed on the farm are contributing to
local economies, boosting the agri-food industry and offering more choices
for the consumer.
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 (now in its
third year) encourages the development of prosperity in Ontario's 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.
Who Can Apply?
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 have been in use
on an Ontario farm, or be in the planning stages of development with
a business plan towards implementation. The innovation must also have
the potential for use on a broader basis and demonstrate a positive
effect on the agricultural industry.
Eligible Innovations
Examples of types of innovation include but are not limited to:
• improved farm practices
•responding to consumer demands
•environmental stewardship
•health and safety on the farm
•energy innovations
•education and marketing of agriculture to society, and
•local food.
Deadline
This year's applications must be received by 5 p.m. on December 1, 2008
and will be reviewed by two independent panels comprised of a cross-section
of Ontario's agri-food industry. Additional information, guidelines
and applications forms are available on the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture,
Food and Rural Affairs website
or by calling the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300.
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