The winners of this year’s Excellence in Agriculture Awards have been announced, celebrating the contributions of individuals and organizations in Ontario’s agri-food sector.
Awards were handed out in 10 categories, including Research and Innovation, Food Processing, and Farm Family Excellence.
“I’m proud to recognize the winners and honourable mentions of the 2025 Excellence in Agriculture Awards for their hard work and commitment to building a stronger, more competitive agri-food sector,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness in a news release. “Their contributions drive the success of our sector and pave the way for the next generation, ensuring Ontario agriculture continues to thrive.”
Among this year’s honourees is the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers, based out of Essex County, for Promotional Excellence. Donna Small, the Agricultural Program Coordinator with the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority, earned an honourable mention in the Women’s Excellence category.
The 2025 Minister’s Award recipient is Growing Chefs! Ontario, located in Middlesex County. Officials say Growing Chefs is advancing food literacy by connecting chefs, growers, educators and community members through hands-on food education projects.
Ontario’s agri-food sector supports more than 867,000 jobs and is a key driver of the provincial economy.
2025 Award Recipients:
Minister’s Award
Growing Chefs! Ontario – Middlesex County
Research and Innovation Excellence
Haven Greens – Regional Municipality of York
Vineland Research and Innovation Centre – Regional Municipality of Niagara
Food Processing Excellence
BMKC Canada Inc. – Bruce County
Education Excellence
Growing Chefs! Ontario – Middlesex County
Hillmanor Holsteins – Perth County
Promotional Excellence
Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers – Essex County
Supply Chain Excellence
Stone Bridge Flour – Bruce County
Indigenous, Métis or Inuit-owned Businesses or Community Excellence
Alexiou Farms – Simcoe County
Farm Family Excellence
The Fifty Acre Garden – Simcoe County
Women’s Excellence
Canadian Women in Food – City of Toronto
Youth Excellence
Konrad Borowski, Beekon – Regional Municipality of Waterloo
Northern Business Excellence
Northern Wildflowers – Greater Sudbury
2025 Honourable Mentions:
Food Processing Excellence
Stone Bridge Flour – Bruce County
Education Excellence
Ontario Farmland Trust and the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (University of Guelph) – Wellington County
Supply Chain Excellence
Guelph Poultry Veterinary Services – Wellington County
Farm Family Excellence
Goldsmith’s Farm Market and Bakery – Grey County
Women’s Excellence
Donna Small, Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority – Municipality of Chatham-Kent
Hereward Farms – Dufferin County
Northern Business Excellence
Cornell Farms – Rainy River District
