Ontario Supporting Agri-Food Innovation

Premier's Innovation Awards Program Invites New Applications

January 10, 2014

Innovators in the province's agriculture and food industry are being encouraged to apply for awards under the Premier's Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence program, now accepting applications until February 28, 2014.

Farmers, primary producers, processors and agri-food related organizations are all eligible for recognition under this initiative.

The Premier's Award for Agri-food Innovation Excellence program encourages the development of our rural communities, farms and agri-food processing businesses and agri-food organizations by adding value to existing products, creating jobs and driving economic growth.

Supporting a strong and innovative agri-food industry is part of the government's three-part economic plan to invest in people, invest in infrastructure and help businesses grow and create jobs.

Quotes

"Ontario's agri-food industry is leading the way with innovative products and ideas that are creating jobs and bringing more locally grown food to the table. I encourage farmers, processors and agri-food organizations to apply and help us tell their innovation success stories."
- Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Agriculture and Food

Quick Facts

  • Up to 50 agri-food innovations are recognized annually under the awards program.
  • A total of 375 producers, processors and agri-food organizations have received a Premier's Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence since 2007.
  • Ontario's agri-food sector contributes approximately $34 billion to the province's economy and supports more than 740,000 jobs across Ontario.

Learn More


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