Nominations Open for 2025 Ontario Ag Awards

Jul 14, 2025
By Farms.com

Awards honour farmers, agri-businesses, and organizations that drive innovation

The Ontario government has opened nominations for the 2025 Excellence in Agriculture Awards, which recognize outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations in the province’s thriving agri-food industry. These awards celebrate innovation, sustainability, and leadership in a sector valued at $51 billion annually.

“The Excellence in Agriculture Awards provide an opportunity to honour and celebrate our agri-food leaders,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Ontario’s world-class agri-food leadership and talent are what gives us the edge in a competitive global environment, and we look forward to recognizing their innovation and success.”

This year, 12 categories of recognition will be awarded:

Youth Excellence

Food Processing Excellence

Research and Innovation Excellence

Northern Business Excellence

Workforce Excellence

Women’s Excellence

Education Excellence

Supply Chain Excellence

Indigenous, Métis or Inuit-Owned Business or Community Excellence

Promotional Excellence

Farm Family Excellence

Urban Agriculture Excellence

Anyone can submit a nomination or self-nomination until September 2, 2025, by visiting ontario.ca/agrifoodinnovation.

These awards support Ontario’s Grow Ontario Strategy, which encourages the consumption of locally produced food and promotes the value of the province’s agri-food sector.

By recognizing those who contribute to agricultural excellence, the province aims to build awareness, improve food sustainability, and boost community support for local producers.

Through these annual awards, Ontario continues to recognize the essential contributions of agri-food leaders and highlight the importance of agriculture in everyday life.

Photo Credit: Ontario.ca-logo

Video: Syngenta Ag Stories - Reanna Hagel, Channel Marketing Manager

Growing up on a cow-calf operation and small feedlot near Lumby, BC, Reanna learned agriculture the hands-on way with her sister on the family farm. Today, as Channel Marketing Manager for Syngenta Canada, what Reanna loves most about her work is simple: the customer is always at the centre. Whether that's a grower or a channel partner, she understands them on a personal level - because she's the daughter of one. But for Reanna, supporting ag doesn't stop at her job. She volunteers with local 4-H clubs, lends a hand to her farming neighbours, and is raising her own kids to understand and respect the land. Her advice to the next generation? "It's an amazing time to be in the industry - it's going to look completely different in 20 years. To be part of the evolution is very exciting."