Apply by Sept 4: 2026 Excellence in Agriculture Awards for Ontario agri-food leaders

What’s happening

• The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness is opening nominations for the 2026 Excellence in Agriculture Awards.
• Who it affects: farmers, processors, agribusinesses, industry organizations and community groups in Ontario.
• Deadline: Nominations accepted until September 4, 2026. You can self-nominate or nominate someone else at ontario.ca/excellenceinagriculture.

By the numbers

• 10 award categories
• Ontario’s agri-food sector contributes nearly $53 billion to the provincial economy and employs about 1 in 9 people.

Award categories (listed in the release)

• Research and Innovation Excellence
• Agribusiness Excellence
• Education Excellence
• Promotional Excellence
• Urban Agriculture Excellence
• Northern Business Excellence
• Indigenous, Métis or Inuit-Owned Business or Community Group Excellence
• Women’s Farming Excellence
• Youth Excellence
• Farm Family Excellence

Why it matters

• The awards raise public awareness of local food production and recognize leaders who support the Grow Ontario Strategy.

Contact

• Agricultural Information Contact Centre: 1-877-424-1300
• Email: ag.info.omafa@ontario.ca