Ontario Launches 2023 Excellence in Agriculture Program

GUELPH – The Government of Ontario is launching the 2023 Excellence in Agriculture program to showcase the outstanding efforts, innovations, and achievements across the agriculture and food sector. 

“The Excellence in Agriculture Awards will give recognition to the people in these industries that go above and beyond, setting the standard and leading by example to ensure we can continue to Grow Ontario,” said Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Lisa Thompson.

This year, the province is recognizing agricultural excellence in 11 categories: Excellence in Food Processing; Excellence in Research and Innovation; Women’s Excellence; Youth Excellence; Excellence in Agri-Food Education; Northern Business Excellence; Indigenous-Owned Business or Community Excellence; Family Farm Excellence; Agri-Food Promotional Excellence; Supply Chain Excellence; Excellence in Agri-Food Talent Recruitment.

Through this program, Ontario is celebrating local agri-food organizations, processors, youth, women, primary producers, Northern businesses, Indigenous businesses and communities, and agri-food businesses whose innovations are paving the way towards a more sustainable and lucrative agriculture and food industry.

The program is accepting applications until Sept. 14. Winners will be announced in November at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

This initiative builds on the Grow Ontario Strategy’s goal to increase awareness and strengthen the agriculture and food sector.