Ontario Celebrates Agricultural Excellence
Press Release
2025 Excellence in Agriculture Awards honours province’s agri-food leaders
TORONTO — The Government of Ontario is proud to recognize 12 winners and 7 honourable mentions of the 2025 Excellence in Agriculture Awards. Presented across 10 categories, these awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations that are strengthening Ontario’s $51 billion agri-food sector.
“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. “Their contributions drive the success of our sector and pave the way for the next generation, ensuring Ontario agriculture continues to thrive.”
The 2025 Minister’s Award recipient is Growing Chefs! Ontario, located in Middlesex County. Growing Chefs! Ontario is a registered charity that is advancing food literacy by connecting chefs, growers, educators and community members through hands-on food education projects. Its in-school programming has reached over 5,000 students, contributed to provincial curriculum development, and continues to support greater access to food through community gardens, nutrition programs, and food box distribution, while building partnerships that strengthen local food systems across Ontario.
This year, the province is recognizing excellence in 10 categories:
- Research and Innovation Excellence
- Food Processing Excellence
- Education Excellence
- Promotional Excellence
- Supply Chain Excellence
- Indigenous, Métis or Inuit-owned Businesses or Community Excellence
- Farm Family Excellence
- Women’s Excellence
- Youth Excellence
- Northern Business Excellence
“The entire Growing Chefs! Ontario team is incredibly honoured to be chosen as the Minister’s Award recipient in the 2025 Excellence in Agriculture Awards,” said Jennifer Wyant, Executive Administrator. “For 18 years, Growing Chefs! has worked to establish ourselves as a provincial leader in food literacy and agri-education programming. On behalf of our staff, board and dedicated team of volunteers and supporters, thank you for recognizing the positive impact we are making in our community.”
Ontario’s agri-food sector supports more than 867,000 jobs across the province and continues to be a key driver of Ontario’s economy. From advancing sustainability to driving growth and innovation, the 2025 honourees are propelling Ontario’s agri-food industry toward a more sustainable and prosperous future. Through initiatives like the Grow Ontario Strategy, Ontario is supporting farmers, processors and agri-food businesses that continue to drive this growth and ensure a strong, sustainable sector for generations to come.
Quick Facts
- The Excellence in Agriculture Awards are an important opportunity to recognize many agricultural employers and leaders. Over 867,000 people work in Ontario agri-food, representing one in nine of all jobs.
- The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness announced the 12 winners and 7 honourable mentions at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.
- The 2025 Excellence in Agriculture Awards accepted applications from July 7, 2025, until September 12, 2025.
Additional Resources
Excellence in Agriculture Awards
2025 Excellence in Agriculture Awards Recipients
Media Contacts
Spencer Fair
Minister’s Office
Spencer.Fair@ontario.ca
Connie Osborne
Media Desk
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
OMAFRA.media@ontario.ca
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