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Call for applications for Ont Premier’s Award

November 5, 2012 – Applications are now being accepted for the Ontario Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence program. The deadline for submissions is Friday, January 18, 2013. The Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation program has attracted more than 1,000 applications highlighting on-farm innovations since its inception in 2007. 

The Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence program encourages the development of our rural communities, farms, agri-food processors and agri-food organizations by adding value to existing products, creating jobs and driving economic growth.

The program recognizes up to 45 Regional Award recipients across the province who receive a plaque, wordmark and a gate sign, as well as $5,000; a Premier’s Award ($75,000); a Minister’s Award ($50,000); and, three Leaders in Innovation Awards ($25,000).

A farmer, primary producer, processor, or agri-food related organization are all eligible for recognition under this initiative. Applicants must be in compliance with all applicable federal, provincial and municipal legislation that apply to the operation of the innovation.

Examples of innovation areas include, but are not limited to:

• improved business practices
• response to consumer demands (eg., new product development, value added, marketing, strategic alliances, local food)
• environmental stewardship
• health and safety
• energy and bio-economy
• food safety and traceability
• education and marketing of the agriculture and food industry to society

This year’s applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, January 18, 2013. Eligible applications will be reviewed by two independent panels comprised of a cross-section of Ontario’s agri-food industry. Additional information, guidelines and application forms are available on the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs website or by calling the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300.