The Ontario government has opened nominations for the 2026 Excellence in Agriculture Awards, which recognize the achievements of the province’s farmers, processors, industry organizations and businesses.
The awards celebrate contributors to Ontario’s nearly $53-billion agri-food industry, which the province says is a global leader in food production.
“The success of Ontario’s agri-food sector is driven by the passion, innovation and hard work of farmers, processors, organizations and businesses across the province,” said Trevor Jones, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Their leadership helps keep our province competitive, drive economic growth and reinforce Ontario’s position as a global leader in agriculture. We look forward to celebrating this year’s outstanding recipients.”
This year the province will recognize excellence in 10 categories, covering research and innovation, agribusiness, education, promotion, urban agriculture, northern business, Indigenous-owned business or community group achievement, women’s farming, youth and farm family excellence.
Nominations, including self-nominations, are being accepted until September 4, 2026, at ontario.ca/excellenceinagriculture.
The province says the awards support its Grow Ontario Strategy by raising awareness of high-quality food grown and made in Ontario and highlighting the sector’s contribution to the provincial economy, which employs roughly one in nine people in Ontario.
