Agri-Food awards nominations being sought

News Release
Agri-Food Canada

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (RAWF) are inviting nominations for the fifth annual Canadian Agri-Food Awards of Excellence. These national awards were first launched in 2001 to celebrate outstanding achievement in Canadian agriculture and agri-food in five categories: innovation, environmental stewardship, export performance, agricultural awareness and education, and voluntarism.
“Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector is successful because of the many dedicated people who are working in a number of important areas to ensure Canada leads the world in producing high quality agriculture products.” said Andy Mitchell, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “We have every reason to be proud of the men and women working to make our sector the best in the world.”
“For more than 80 years, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair has been the premier showcase for Canadian agriculture,” said Michael Belcourt, President of the RAWF. “The Royal is proud to be a partner in these national awards that recognize Canadian individuals, organizations and companies for their outstanding contributions to our agricultural industry.”
“This past year, farmers, together with the Government of Canada, have done a great deal of work looking for long-term answers to the many challenges facing our industry,” said Bob Friesen, CFA President. “Part of that answer will always come down to dedicated, innovative Canadians who go that bit further to advance our industry. With these awards we give well-deserved recognition to those individuals and the invaluable contribution they make.”
Nominations for the Canadian Agri-Food Awards of Excellence will be accepted until August 26, 2005. The awards will be presented on November 7 at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.
Selection criteria (see attached backgrounder) and nomination forms are available at http://www.agr.gc.ca/cb/awards-prix. Those without internet access may contact the RAWF at 416-263-3406 or AAFC at 519-837-5842.