Showcasing Local Agri-Food Innovators - McGuinty Government Honouring Recipients of Premier's Awards for Agri-food Innovation Excellence

News

Ontario's agri-food industry is leading the way with innovative products and ideas that are creating local jobs and bringing more locally grown food to the dinner table.

These innovations were celebrated today at a ceremony in Ancaster, honouring 14 regional winners of the Premier's Awards for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence - recognizing innovators who contribute to the success of Ontario's agri-food sector. Local recipients are:

• Andrews Scenic Acres Inc., Halton Hills/Milton
• Beechwood Cattle Company and VG Meats, Simcoe
• Burning Kiln Winery Inc., St. Williams
• Moyer's Candy Apples Ltd., Vineland
• Ontario Popping Corn Company, Walsingham
• P R Short and Son, Vineland Station
• Pillitteri Estates Winery Inc., Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Pioneer Flower Farms Limited, St. Catharines
• Prins Grow Inc., Jordan Station
• Puddicombe Cider Company, Stoney Creek
• Southbrook Vineyards, Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Victory Organic Inc., St. Catharines
• Vineland Research and Innovation Centre & The Stop Community Food Centre, Toronto
• Wine Council of Ontario, Vineland

A strong agri-food industry is part of the McGuinty government's plan to create jobs and opportunities that will grow the economy.

Quotes

"These awards recognize and reward outstanding agri-food innovations developed by producers, processors and agri-food organizations. Through this program, we are helping to foster a culture of innovation that brings new prosperity to Ontario farms."
- Ted McMeekin, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Quick Facts

• A total of 50 regional awards are being handed out across Ontario this summer. From these, five recipients will be chosen and awarded with a Premier's Award, a Minister's Awards and three Leaders in Innovation Awards at the Premier's Summit on Agri-Food in October.
• Since 2007, 285 awards under the Premier's Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence program have recognized innovations from producers, processors and agri-food organizations.
• Ontario's agri-food sector is one of the province's leading industries, contributing more than $33 billion to the economy every year.

Learn More

For more information see Backgrounder.

Discover award winning innovation success stories that have been recognized by the program.

Be innovative in the kitchen, visit Foodland Ontario and try new recipes.

Mark Cripps, Minister's Office, 416-326-3069
Susan Murray, Communications Branch, 519-826-3145
ontario.ca/agriculture-news

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