Premier to honour Agri-innovators

Gary Sliworsky
Ag. Rep.

Innovation is a crucial ingredient in the success of Ontario’s farmers. To recognize and foster innovation in the agri-food industry, the Government of Ontario has established the Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence.
Over the next five years, $2.5 million will be awarded to outstanding farm innovators. There will be up to 55 regional award winners annually, with a cash prize of $5,000 each. From these winners, a Minister’s Award of up to $50,000 and a Premier’s Award of up to $100,000 will be selected.
Individuals and/or groups representing agri-food businesses and organizations can submit applications. To be eligible, at least one of the applicants must be a farmer (eligible to obtain an Ontario Farm Business Registration Number). The innovation must have been developed and used on an Ontario farm, must have the potential for use on a broader basis and for having a positive effect on the agriculture industry.
Examples of innovation include, but are not limited to:
-improved farm practices including business practices
-response to consumer demands (e.g. value added, marketing, strategic alliances, etc.)
-environmental stewardship
-health and safety on the farm
-energy innovations
-education and marketing of agriculture to society.
Four broad criteria will be used to identify the winning innovations; uniqueness and originality, stage of development, the impact or benefits of the innovation, and adoption and/or commercialization.
Details of the process, as well as applications and guidelines are available at:
www.omafra.gov.on.ca or 1-877-424-1300
Applications and guidelines are also available at the OMAFRA office in Emo.
To be considered for the Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence, applications must be submitted to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs by November 30, 2006.

Dates to Remember
Oct 21. – RR Federation of Agriculture Annual Meeting