Province Invites Applications Across 10 Categories Recognizing Innovation, Business and Community Leadership
The Ontario government has opened nominations for the 2026 Excellence in Agriculture Awards, launching its annual program to recognize individuals, businesses and organizations that have made significant contributions to the province’s agri-food sector.
The awards celebrate excellence across Ontario’s agriculture and food industry, highlighting the achievements of farmers, processors, industry organizations and agribusinesses that help strengthen the province’s food security, support economic growth and enhance Ontario’s reputation as a global leader in food production.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, the awards are designed to acknowledge leadership, innovation and dedication throughout the sector while promoting the importance of agriculture to Ontario’s economy.
“The success of Ontario’s agri-food sector is driven by the passion, innovation and hard work of farmers, processors, organizations and businesses across the province,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Their leadership helps keep our province competitive, drive economic growth and reinforce Ontario’s position as a global leader in agriculture. We look forward to celebrating this year’s outstanding recipients.”
Awards Recognize Excellence Across Ontario’s Agri-Food Industry
Ten award categories highlight diverse contributions
For the 2026 awards, the province will recognize excellence in the following categories:
- Research and Innovation Excellence
- Agribusiness Excellence
- Education Excellence
- Promotional Excellence
- Urban Agriculture Excellence
- Northern Business Excellence
- Indigenous, Métis or Inuit-Owned Business or Indigenous, Métis or Inuit Community Group Excellence
- Women’s Farming Excellence
- Youth Excellence
- Farm Family Excellence
The categories are intended to showcase the broad range of contributions made by individuals and organizations throughout Ontario’s agricultural sector, from scientific research and business development to education, community engagement and family farming.
The ministry said nominations may be submitted either by individuals wishing to recognize their own work or by those seeking to nominate another person, business or organization for consideration.
Nomination Process Open Until September 4
Individuals and businesses encouraged to participate
Nominations for the 2026 Excellence in Agriculture Awards will remain open until September 4, 2026.
Eligible participants can submit either a self-nomination or nominate another individual or business through the province’s online nomination process.
The annual awards program forms part of Ontario’s broader efforts to promote excellence within the agri-food industry while recognizing the people and organizations helping drive innovation, productivity and long-term sustainability across the province.
Awards Support Ontario’s Long-Term Growth Strategy
The Excellence in Agriculture Awards also support the provincial government’s Grow Ontario Strategy, which aims to strengthen Ontario’s agri-food sector, expand economic opportunities and reinforce the province’s food supply system.
By recognizing outstanding achievements across multiple areas of the industry, the program seeks to raise awareness of the high-quality food produced and processed in Ontario while highlighting the sector’s contribution to the provincial economy.
Ontario’s agriculture and food industry remains one of the province’s largest economic drivers. The sector contributes nearly $53 billion to Ontario’s gross domestic product and supports employment for approximately one in nine people across the province.
The Grow Ontario Strategy focuses on building a stronger, more competitive agri-food industry by supporting businesses, encouraging innovation and helping ensure Ontarians have access to an efficient, reliable and responsive food supply.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness also encourages producers, businesses and organizations seeking additional information about provincial programs and services to contact the Agricultural Information Contact Centre.