CELEBRATING ONTARIO'S NEW CROP
OF IDEAS
McGuinty Government Rewards On-Farm Innovation
May 9, 2008
NEWS
Innovative ideas grown by Ontario farmers are contributing
to the local economy, boosting the agri-food industry and offering more
choices for the consumer. Those ideas were celebrated today at a ceremony
honouring local winners of the province's regional awards for innovation
excellence.
The Premier's Agri-Food Innovation Excellence awards are
part of a $2.5-million, five-year program (now in its second year) established
to recognize innovators who contribute to the success of Ontario's agri-food
sector. Winners of the $100,000 Premier's Award and the $50,000 Minister's
Award were announced last month at the Premier's Summit on Agri-Food.
Local events across the province are being held to recognize
55 regional award winners, who will receive $5,000 each for their innovations.
Area winners presented with their awards today were:
-
Carleton Growers Limited - Carp
-
Hugli's Blueberry Ranch - Pembroke
-
McMaze - Cedar Fox Farm - St. Andrews
QUOTE
"I am pleased to recognize our local farmers with
these awards. Their hard work and innovative ideas are helping to make
our rural communities stronger," said Jim Brownell, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South
Glengarry.
QUICK FACTS
LEARN MORE
See videos
of this year's top two award winning innovations and discover the variety
of previous award-winning on-farm innovations at the Ministry of Agriculture,
Food and Rural Affairs website.
Learn more about other government programs supporting
innovation in Ontario by visiting the Ministry of Research and Innovation
website.
Backgrounder
Local Farmers Recognized for their Innovations
May 9, 2008
The following are regional recipients of the Premier's
Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence:
Carleton Growers Limited - Carp
Carleton Growers Limited know how to create the sweet
smell of success. They developed a new hybrid red rose that has all
the good characteristics of a premium rose variety. Partners Fred
and Darlene Hogg and Ronald Bazinet conducted the initial propagation
of the rose and then sent it for grafting to experts in California,
reducing development time from three years to six months. The new
‘Kajusaro’ rose offers a steady supply of premium hearty
plants to wholesale and florist customers. Bushes, patio planters
and cut roses are available in this new variety. Consumer response
has been overwhelming - and with 30,000 bushes currently in production,
everything’s coming up roses for these innovative growers.
Hugli's Blueberry Ranch - Pembroke
Brian Hugli’s Blueberry Ranch works to ensure everyone
can enjoy the farm when they visit. This agri-tainment operation offers
a high-bush blueberry picking area and giant pumpkin boat races among
its activities. The ranch is fully accessible for people with mobility
issues from the parking lot to blueberry picking areas, washroom facilities,
space on wagons, gift store, ice cream parlour and covered deck.
McMaze - Cedar Fox Farm - St. Andrews
Stephen and Valerie McDonald of McMaze – Cedar
Fox Farm in St. Andrews are literally reaping the benefits of their
innovation. Stephen McDonald modified his International 400 Cyclo
series air corn planter so that he can also use it to plant sunflowers,
gourds and pumpkins, among other crops. He spends less time and money
planting, even though he now plants more acres to meet the growing
local wholesale demand. And yield is up on those acres. All in all,
it’s an improved farm practice that boosts the bottom line.
For more information contact:
Kelly Synnott, Minister's Office, 416-326-6439
Brent Ross, Communications Branch, 416-326-9342
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