These ideas were celebrated recently at a ceremony in Wingham, Ont., honouring regional winners of the Premier’s Awards for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence. Local fruit and vegetable producing recipients included:

Smiths’ Apples and Farm Market – Port Elgin

There’s a real shine on apples in a new part of the province as a result of the hard work and ingenuity of Steve Smith. Beginning in 1995, he built a high-density, high production crop of apples in Bruce County that has sold out quickly and regularly for the last 10 years. The bonus is that the sales and profits happen right on the farm. As a result of his production practices, Smith’s farm is in demand as a tour destination and he gives lectures about “Starting an Agri-Business from Scratch.”

Global Fruit – Clarksburg

A Grey County apple grower has designed and built a sprayer that saves money, protects the environment and is less noisy than anything else available in Canada. Created to operate in Marius Botden’s high-density orchards, the sprayer reduces the amount of pesticide by 30 per cent by reclaiming any product that does not deposit on the trees. It reduces spray drift by 95 per cent and reduces run-off. Spraying can also be done at a lower rate (1.2 litres per acre versus 3.5 litres), generating tremendous savings in chemical costs.

Spirit Tree Estate Cidery – Caledon

Spirit Tree Estate Cidery was inspired by its environmentally conscious owners who had years of experience running a pick-your-own farm operation and were looking to grow their business in an earth-friendly way. They built an upscale artisan cider mill, farm market and wood-fired oven bakery using environmentally sound design and technology. Their 650-square metre facility is the largest commercial building and the first winery production facility to use straw bale construction methods in Ontario. Other energy savings are found from the geothermal heat pump that heats and cools the facility, ultraviolet technology that treats the pressed cider, and an Ecoflo biofilter that handles wastewater. This business truly has an eco-friendly spirit.

100 Mile Market Incorporated – Kitchener

This company has successfully become a crucial link in the Waterloo region food production chain, improving farmers’ margins and providing restaurants, hotels, caterers and food service outlets with the timely delivery of a consistent, high-quality supply of local products. There is currently a roster of 110 producers, and a product list of fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy and grains that tops 1,000. By dealing with sales, marketing, distribution and logistics, 100 Mile Market has also freed up the farmers’ time to concentrate on what they do best – produce food.

Strom’s Farm – Guelph

Each year, Strom’s Farm partners with recognized charities to help raise funds. Not only does this help important non-profit organizations, it has also increased the visibility of agri-tourism at the farm. A corn maze is themed each year to the chosen charity and with a series of clues, visitors are educated about the charity while making their way through the maze. Since 2005, Strom’s has raised more than $18,000 for charities, has distributed more than 500 shoeboxes (filled with different items such as toys, educational supplies and toiletries) through Operation Christmas Child, and has helped to decrease Guelph’s Big Brother/Big Sister waiting list.