Agri–Food Innovation Award announced

March 18, 2015 · 0 Comments

Shelburne Council received an announcement from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ on a new innovation award for agriculture at the March 9th Council meeting. The 2015 Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence program was created to “foster the spirit of innovation” in Ontario’s agricultural sector.
The objective of the program is to recognize and encourage innovators in the agri-food sector; foster innovation at the farm level; and raise awareness about the important impact of agri-food innovation on Ontario’s economy. The cash awards “encourage development of rural communities, farms, agri-food processors and agri-food organizations by adding value to existing products, creating jobs and driving economic growth.”
Municipal Councils were asked to encourage local agriculture and agri-food innovators to submit an application for the award. Councillor Walter Benotto recommended Town staff forward the award information to the Besley Country Market, well known local agri-food producers at the south end of Shelburne. Council unanimously supported his motion.
Councillor Benotto told the Free Press he recommended that the application be forwarded to the Besley’s because “their Tomatoes grow operation was innovative.” He said, “They have gone from a dairy operation into a vegetable operation. It is also a very successful one. I felt they deserved to be recognized for this change.”
In a statement to the Free Press, Brian, Debbie and Evan Besley said, “We are extremely pleased and honoured that Shelburne Council recommended we apply for this award.” New business ventures are never easy, and it’s always nice to be recognized for our hard work.”
According to the rules set out by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, areas of innovation for the awards may include: improved business practices; response to consumer demands such as new product development, local food and strategic alliances; environmental stewardship; health and safety; education and marketing awareness, as well as other innovations.
In fact, the program recognizes up to 45 different innovations across the province each year with prizes valued at $5000 each. The Premier’s Award is worth $75,000 and there is the possibility of a Minister’s Award of $50,000. Three “Leaders in Innovation” awards will be received, valued at $25,000 each. Recipients receive a plaque, a gate sign and the use of the Premier’s Award program word mark.
To be eligible for the awards applicants must be a primary producer or farmer; a resident of Ontario; and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The applications are reviewed by two independent panels consisting of agri-food industry representatives from across Ontario.
Shelburne’s Chief Administrative Officer John Telfer reported, “Councillor Benotto requested staff to forward the application to the Besley’s based on their tomato industry growth here in Shelburne. Council supported the direction understanding the innovation that the Besley Farms have taken on the agricultural front.”
The Town of Shelburne encourages all local agri-food innovators to apply for the award. The deadline for application is 5 p.m. on April 10, 2015. For additional information please contact the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or www.ag.info.omagra@ontario.ca

By Marni Walsh