Premier’s Innovation Awards program invites new applications

Jan. 15, 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.

“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,” said Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Agriculture and Food.

Since 2007, 375 producers, processors and agri-food organizations have received a Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence, with up to 50 awarded annually under the program.

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.

For more information on previous winners, click here, and to download your guidebook and application for the Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation, visit http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/premier_award/app_info.htm

Learn More

• Download your guidebook and application for the Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation.
• Discover recent award winning innovation success stories
• Be innovative in the kitchen, visit Foodland Ontario and try new recipes
• For more information see Backgrounder.