Calling All Ontario Agri-food Innovators: 2014 Premier’s Award Now Accepting Applications
Posted: January 20, 2014
Categories: Food in the News / Funding Opportunities / GoodFoodBites / Opportunities
Are you an Ontario farmer, primary producer, processor or agri-food-related organization with innovative ideas for creating efficiencies in the agri-food sector? If so, you may be eligible to apply for the 2014 Premier’s Award for Agri-food Innovation Excellence program!
As part of the Ontario government’s 3-part economic plan, the Premier’s Award for Agri-food Innovation Excellence program fosters rural community development, farms, and agri-food processors and organizations, in order to create jobs, add value to innovative products and drive economic growth.
If you improved business practices; responded to consumer demands via new product development, added value, marketing, creation of strategic alliances or local food initiatives; practiced environmental stewardship; improved upon energy and bio-economy, health and safety, food safety and traceability; or have meaningfully contributed to the education and marketing of the agri-food industry to society, you may be a candidate.
Eligible applicants may receive one of the following awards per year:
- a Premier’s Award ($75,000)
- a Minister’s Award ($50,000)
- three Leaders in Innovation Awards ($25,000 each)
- 45 provincial awards ($5,000 each)
In each case, award winners will also receive receive a plaque, a gate sign, the use of the Premier’s Award program wordmark and will be recognized at various events across Ontario in 2014.
Remember, the deadline is no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, February 28th, 2014. Applications may be accepted on-line, via email, fax or post.
Please see the 2014 guidebook for eligibility criteria. Should you require additional resources, please contact the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or www.ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca.
Please note, this award is not available to the research community, and is only intended for residents of Ontario who are citizens or permanent residents of Canada.