The Ontario government recognized the work of local innovators whose ideas and passion are helping grow and strengthen the province’s agri-food sector at an event on Dec. 8.
Cambridge MPP Kathryn McGarry hosted a ceremony in Cambridge to recognize Dufferin, Haldimand, Norfolk, Perth and Wellington county recipients of this year’s Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence.
The awards honour the contributions of hard-working and innovative people across the province who are creating new agri-food products, adding value to existing products, supporting job creation and building economic growth in Ontario.
Wellington County award winners included:
– Bioenterprise Corporation;
– CanWest DHI;
– Jewels Under the Kilt;
– Green Table Foods; and
– Thatcher Farms Butcher Shop, Bakery and Farm Market.
“These individuals are helping Ontario’s agri-food sector thrive with initiatives that not only benefit their businesses but grow their local economy,” said McGarry.
“Year after year, these awards showcase outstanding individuals across the province whose innovative ideas are helping grow Ontario’s agri-food sector for today and tomorrow,” said Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Jeff Leal, in a press release.
This year, 50 innovators are receiving regional awards. All 50 award recipients are also eligible for the Premier’s Award, Minister’s Award and three Leaders in Innovation awards, which will be announced in December.
Since 2007, the program has received more than 1,700 nominations, with $4.25 million distributed to 525 award-winning innovators.
About the winners
Bioenterprise Corporation – Ontario entrepreneurs launched an agri-food enterprise, which allows them to take advantage of AgRegKit a new software tool that makes navigating regulatory requirements easier for entrepreneurs.
From labeling rules to livestock health standards and more, the guide’s extensive database covers every aspect of the agri-business landscape.
By simplifying the path to regulatory approval, the AgRegKit saves producers time and money. As a result, it ensures that more, great Ontario agri-food innovations make it to market, faster.
CanWest DHI – Good information leads to good herd management decisions and CanWest DHI is putting that information directly into the hands of dairy producers.
Launched in 2015, the Mobile DHI app gives farmers key data they need right on their smartphone — average milk production, milk components, somatic cell counts, breed class averages and more.
The ability to access data sooner, allows for farmers to react swiftly when concerns arise.
The first of its kind in Canada, the app is a powerful tool for modern producers and DHI advisors.
Green Table Foods – At Green Table Foods, good things are fermenting. The Guelph business is churning out organic kimchi, sauerkraut, beets, veggie pickle and even a unique fermented salsa. Since 2005, the company has been making nutritious, lacto-fermented vegetable foods with certified organic, farm-direct ingredients, one small batch at a time.
Green Table sources vegetables from local farmers and packs their products in reusable Mason jars.
Over the next three years, they expect to ramp up their carrot and cabbage purchases by 75 per cent — great News for local veggie farmers and kimchi lovers alike.
Jewels Under the Kilt – Jewels Under the Kilt won a Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence in 2015 for their roasted Ontario nuts, produced in a range of intriguing flavours.
Now the Fergus company has a new product to market. This year’s award honours the company’s resourceful thinking. Maple syrup is a featured ingredient in Jewels
Under the Kilt’s lineup of flavours, and that means lots of crystallized maple syrup left in the roaster once the nuts are done. Owner Elisabeth Burrow is now marketing the tasty, crunchy crystals as a unique Ontario treat, perfect for adding to salads, yogurt or ice cream or using just about anywhere you would use sugar.
Thatcher Farms Butcher Shop, Bakery and Farm Market – At Thatcher Farms, customers know exactly where their meat comes from. The husband-and-wife duo Dana and Adam Thatcher breed, raise, butcher, process and retail their own beef, pork, lamb, chicken and turkey.
They even grow their own animal feed on the 140-acre property. The farm welcomes thousands of visitors each year, offering tours, butchery demonstrations and cooking classes.
In less than four years, the farm’s annual income has increased from just under $100,000 to over $1 million. Today, they employ 12 people, a number they plan to double this year, proving that connecting with consumers and adding on-farm value pays off.
