Ontario Honours Innovators in the Agri-Food Sector with the Premier’s Award in Alfred, Ontario
Posted: October 17, 2013
Categories: economic development / Food in the News / Food Processing / Local Procurement
Credit: Castor River Farm.
Earlier this week, the provincial government celebrated agricultural innovation in Alfred, Ontario. Three regional winners were presented the Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence. The award acknowledges new ideas and products within the agri-food industry that stimulate local economies, create jobs, and allow for more Ontario food to reach consumers.
The program recognizes up to 45 Regional Award recipients across Ontario, each worth $5,000. Also included in the program is a Premier’s Award, valued at $75,000, a Minister’s Award for $50,000, and three Leaders in Innovation Awards, each of which is worth $25,000.
Three of this year’s forty-five regional recipients are:
- Castor River Farm, Metcalfe
- Roots and Shoots Farm, Manotick
- Cassel Brewing Company Ltd., Casselman
This award and Ontario’s support of innovation in the agri-food sector is part of the government’s three part economic plan to “invest in people, invest in infrastructure, and help businesses grow and create jobs”.
There are a total of fifty agri-food innovation awards to be announced throughout the province. The Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence has been presented to a total of 325 producers, processors, and agri-food organisations since 2007. The agri-food industry in Ontario contributes approximately $34 billion to the provincial economy and sustains upwards of 740,000 jobs within the province.
Read our earlier post from last week’s ceremony: Premier’s Award Recognizes Innovators in Ontario’s Agri-Food Industry.
See the Ontario Government’s News Release: Celebrating Agri-Food Innovators in Alfred.