Regional Innovations Awarded In Thunder Bay

The following are Regional Award winners of the Premier's Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence:

Rainy River District

Rainy River District Regional Abattoir Inc. - Emo

A group of forward-thinking farmers from this area have established Ontario's only not-for-profit abattoir for the region. They took a hands-on approach, planning and managing the construction and operation of the $2 million dollar facility which opened in January 2010. The abattoir can process beef, pork, sheep, elk and bison, and its handling system includes an ear tag reader that enhances food traceability. Now that the region has its own facility, it eliminates the need for livestock to be transported up to six hours away for processing. The abattoir has been designed so that it can be easily upgraded in the future to a federal facility, which will enable broader product sales as demand increases.  Local producers see this innovative approach as a boon for agricultural sustainability in the region.

Thunder Bay District

Mountain Fresh Farm - Kakabeka Falls

For the first time in 2009, Thunder Bay residents indulged in fresh sour cherries that haven't been trucked in from hundreds of kilometres away. James Sovereign worked with the University of Saskatchewan to establish a dwarf sour cherry orchard that could withstand the tough northern climate.  Besides reducing the carbon footprint from all that transport, the trees will thrive in other northern areas, bringing the healthy fruit to more communities.  An added benefit is that the hardy trees require almost no chemical spray. 

About the Awards Program

Awards - The five-year, $2.5-million Premier's Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence program is now in its fourth year. There can be up to 55 regional award winners chosen annually, with a cash prize of $5,000 each. From these winners, a Minister's Award of up to $50,000 and a Premier's Award of up to $100,000 are selected.

Who is eligible? - A farmer, primary producer, groups of farmers, combination of agri-food businesses, or an agri-food related organization are all eligible for recognition under this initiative. A farmer must be one of the applicants of any group. This program is not intended for the research community as there are other government recognition programs available to this sector. Applicants/nominees must reside in Ontario and be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada. Ontario Public Service staff and immediate family are not eligible to apply for this program.

Types of eligible innovations - Examples of innovations for this program include (but are not limited to) improved farm practices, responding to consumer demands, environmental stewardship, health and safety on the farm, energy innovations, education and marketing of agriculture to society, local food, and traceability initiatives.