Ontario Honours Agri-Food Leaders at 2025 Excellence in Agriculture Awards

Province celebrates 12 winners and seven honourable mentions shaping Ontario’s $51-billion agri-food sector

TORONTO — Ontario is celebrating the individuals, families, organizations and innovators driving one of the province’s largest economic engines, announcing 12 winners and seven honourable mentions at the 2025 Excellence in Agriculture Awards. Presented across 10 categories, the awards recognize excellence in farming, food processing, agri-food education, sustainability, and leadership within the sector.

The awards were announced at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, with Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Trevor Jones commending this year’s recipients for their commitment to strengthening Ontario’s agri-food ecosystem.

“Their contributions drive the success of our sector and pave the way for the next generation,” said Minister Jones, noting that agriculture supports more than 867,000 jobs—one in nine Ontario workers.

Growing Chefs! Ontario Wins 2025 Minister’s Award

The prestigious Minister’s Award was presented to Growing Chefs! Ontario, a Middlesex County–based registered charity known for its leadership in food literacy and agri-education.

Congratulations to this year’s honorable mentions and winners of the Excellence in Agriculture Awards!

Your hard work and commitment to your communities are inspiring.

Thank you for your contributions to advancing Ontario’s agri-food sector. pic.twitter.com/SgPCAAKM1Y

— Trevor Jones (@TrevorJonesCKL) November 10, 2025

The organization connects chefs, educators, growers and community leaders through hands-on programming that has reached more than 5,000 students. Its initiatives include in-school workshops, community gardens, nutrition programs and food box distribution, as well as contributions to provincial curriculum development.

“We are incredibly honoured,” said Jennifer Wyant, Executive Administrator. “For 18 years, Growing Chefs! has worked to establish ourselves as a provincial leader in food literacy.”

Recognizing Excellence Across 10 Categories

This year’s awards highlighted achievements in:

• Research and Innovation

• Food Processing

• Education

• 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 2025 class of honourees reflects a sector grounded in innovation, sustainability and community impact. Ontario continues to advance these priorities through the Grow Ontario Strategy, which supports farmers, processors and agri-food entrepreneurs working to strengthen the province’s food systems.

With agriculture contributing $51 billion to Ontario’s economy, the province says these recognitions highlight the leadership needed to sustain growth, competitiveness and food security for future generations.

Follow GTA Today for more local and provincial news. #GTAToday