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CELEBRATING ONTARIO'S NEW CROP OF IDEAS

McGuinty Government Rewards Two Local Farms for their Innovations

June 6, 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 presented at the Premier's Summit on Agri-Food in April.

Local events have been taking place across the province to recognize 55 regional award winners, who will receive $5,000 each for their innovation. Area winners presented with their awards today were:

  • Cornell Farms (Devlin, Rainy River District)
  • Gammondale Farm (Thunder Bay)

QUOTE

"I am pleased to recognize our local agricultural community with these awards," said Bill Mauro, MPP for Thunder Bay-Atikokan. "Their hard work and innovative ideas are helping to make our rural communities stronger. Agriculture is a significant contributor to the economy of our area and has a rich and long history in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario."

QUICK FACTS

  • Since its launch, the Premier's Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence has attracted 358 applications highlighting on-farm innovations.
  • Ontario's agri-food sector is the second largest goods manufacturing industry in the province (after the auto industry) and contributes $30 billion to the economy every year.

    • LEARN MORE

    See videos of this year's 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

    June 6, 2008


    The following are recipients of the Premier's Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence - regional awards:

    RAINY RIVER DISTRICT:

    Cornell Farms - Devlin
    Cornell Farms in the Rainy River District has shifted to direct marketing to better respond to consumer demand. Kim Cornell developed a marketing approach that included branding, the use of a wireless Visa/Debit machine and a range of new beef products that incorporate other local products such as wild rice. As well, consumers have responded in kind, increasing their purchases of beef products at the local farmers' market.

    THUNDER BAY DISTRICT:

    Gammondale Farm - Thunder Bay
    If you build it, they will come. Susan and Gerald Gammond are constantly adding agri-tourism activities to attract families, students and tourists to their traditional produce farm. On top of growing strawberries, pumpkins, squash and gourds, they offer a variety of fun and educational experiences that promote the environment, healthy lifestyles and nutrition, and agricultural awareness. Activities that celebrate different seasons and holidays continue to bring people to the Gammondale Farm, rain or shine.

    For more information contact:
    Kelly Synnott, Minister's Office, 416-326-6439
    Brent Ross, Communications Branch, 416-326-9342

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