TORONTO, Ont. – The Ontario government has honoured the province’s top innovators, educators, and community leaders in the agri-food industry with the 2025 Excellence in Agriculture Awards, recognizing 12 winners and seven honourable mentions for their contributions to strengthening Ontario’s $51 billion agri-food sector.
Presented across 10 categories, the awards highlight individuals and organizations that are advancing research, sustainability, and innovation while promoting a stronger, more competitive agricultural economy.
“I’m proud to recognize the winners and honourable mentions of the 2025 Excellence in Agriculture Awards for their hard work and commitment to building a stronger, more competitive agri-food sector,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Their contributions drive the success of our sector and pave the way for the next generation, ensuring Ontario agriculture continues to thrive.”
Recognizing Leadership in Ontario’s Agri-Food Sector
The awards ceremony took place at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, one of Canada’s premier agricultural events, which annually draws producers, industry professionals, and policymakers to celebrate innovation and achievement in the sector.
The Minister’s Award, the program’s highest honour, was presented to Growing Chefs! Ontario, a Middlesex County-based registered charity dedicated to improving food literacy through education and community engagement.
Growing Chefs! Ontario connects chefs, growers, educators, and community members through hands-on programs designed to inspire healthy eating and foster understanding of food systems. Its school-based programming has reached more than 5,000 students, while its broader initiatives—such as community gardens, nutrition programs, and food box distribution—have expanded access to nutritious food and supported the development of local food networks.
“The entire Growing Chefs! Ontario team is incredibly honoured to be chosen as the Minister’s Award recipient in the 2025 Excellence in Agriculture Awards,” said Jennifer Wyant, Executive Administrator. “For 18 years, Growing Chefs! has worked to establish ourselves as a provincial leader in food literacy and agri-education programming. On behalf of our staff, board and dedicated team of volunteers and supporters, thank you for recognizing the positive impact we are making in our community.”
Award Categories Reflecting the Breadth of Ontario Agriculture
This year’s honourees were recognized across 10 distinct categories, underscoring the diversity and depth of Ontario’s agri-food industry. Categories included:
-
Research and Innovation Excellence
-
Food Processing Excellence
-
Education Excellence
-
Promotional Excellence
-
Supply Chain Excellence
-
Indigenous, Métis or Inuit-owned Businesses or Community Excellence
-
Farm Family Excellence
-
Women’s Excellence
-
Youth Excellence
-
Northern Business Excellence
From family-owned farms to advanced research institutions and community-based organizations, each winner represents a different facet of Ontario’s agricultural ecosystem. The awards shine a spotlight on the innovation, hard work, and dedication that continue to make Ontario a leader in global food production and sustainability.
Supporting Growth Through Innovation
Ontario’s agri-food sector employs more than 867,000 people—roughly one in nine workers across the province—and remains a cornerstone of Ontario’s economy. The industry contributes to both rural and urban prosperity through food production, processing, distribution, and export.
“The Excellence in Agriculture Awards are an important opportunity to recognize many agricultural employers and leaders,” the Ministry stated. “Over 867,000 people work in Ontario agri-food, representing one in nine of all jobs.”
This year’s honourees have demonstrated leadership in sustainability, technology adoption, and workforce development—areas that are vital to the province’s long-term competitiveness. The awards complement broader government initiatives such as the Grow Ontario Strategy, which focuses on strengthening local food systems, reducing environmental impacts, and ensuring Ontario’s agricultural businesses can meet global demand.
Minister Jones emphasized that the government’s ongoing investment in agri-food innovation is central to building a sustainable and resilient future. “Our government is proud to celebrate those who are helping to secure Ontario’s position as a global leader in agriculture,” he said. “The work being done by these individuals and organizations ensures that our farms and food businesses continue to adapt, grow, and prosper.”
A Future Rooted in Sustainability
Through the Excellence in Agriculture Awards, the province is not only recognizing success but also setting a vision for the future—one that blends tradition with innovation. The winners and honourable mentions exemplify the collaborative spirit and entrepreneurial drive that define Ontario’s agri-food community.
As new challenges and opportunities emerge—from climate adaptation to global market shifts—Ontario’s agricultural leaders continue to innovate and lead with resilience. With the support of government initiatives and community-based partnerships, the province’s agri-food sector is positioned to remain a global benchmark for excellence.
Applications for the 2025 awards were open from July 7 to September 12, 2025, allowing farmers, producers, businesses, and organizations across the province to showcase their contributions to the industry.
For a full list of award recipients and more information on the Excellence in Agriculture Awards, visit Ontario.ca/agriculture.
