Ontario Opens Nominations for 2026 Excellence in Agriculture Awards

Press Release – Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness

The Ontario government is opening nominations for the 2026 Excellence in Agriculture Awards, to recognize the outstanding efforts of the province’s agri-food leaders. These awards recognize the achievements of Ontario’s world-class farmers, processors, industry organizations and businesses that protect the province’s food independence and make Ontario’s nearly $53 billion agri-food industry a global leader in food production.

“The success of Ontario’s agri-food sector is driven by the passion, innovation and hard work of farmers, processors, organizations and businesses across the province,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Their leadership helps keep our province competitive, drive economic growth and reinforce Ontario’s position as a global leader in agriculture. We look forward to celebrating this year’s outstanding recipients.”

This year, the province will recognize agricultural excellence in 10 categories:

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

Nominations are being accepted until September 4, 2026. You can submit a self-nomination or nominate another person or a business at ontario.ca/excellenceinagriculture.

The Excellence in Agriculture Awards support the province’s Grow Ontario Strategy by raising awareness of the high-quality, local food grown and made in Ontario, as well as the significant contributions of the agri-food sector to the provincial economy.

Quick facts

• Ontario’s agriculture and food sector contributes nearly $53 billion to the provincial GDP and employs around 1 in 9 people across the province.
• The Grow Ontario Strategy is the government’s plan to strengthen the agri-food sector, support economic growth, and ensure an efficient, reliable and responsive food supply for Ontarians.
• For more information about OMAFA programs and services, contact the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or at ag.info.omafa@ontario.ca.

Additional resources

• Excellence in Agriculture Guidebook
• Excellence in Agriculture Application