Premier Kathleen Wynne announced the winners of the 10th annual Premier's Awards for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence today -- Ontario's highest honour for outstanding contributions in innovation to the agri-food sector.
The Premier was joined by Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, to present the awards at the 12th Premier's Agri-Food Summit, an annual meeting with industry leaders from across the province.
Dairy Quality Inc., based in Newmarket, was honoured with the Premier's Award for a mobile testing device it developed that helps dairy farmers get information about the health of a cow in just seconds. In use around the world, the device gives farmers better control of the health of their herd and helps ensure top-quality milk for consumers.
The Minister's Award was presented to First Ontario Shrimp Ltd., based in Campbellford, for having successfully converted one of its hog barns into the first shrimp farm in Ontario.
Three Leaders in Innovation Awards were presented to:
- Vineland Growers' Cooperative Ltd., based in Jordan Station, for a new large, blight-resistant pear variety developed with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
- Asparagus Farmers of Ontario, based in Simcoe, for being the first grower organization to develop its own seed business
- Evynn's Advantage, a food processor based in Greenwood, for developing the first fresh, whole-food liquid diet for people unable to eat solid food.
Source: Ontario Newsroom