Ontario’s annual Excellence in Agriculture Awards for 2024 is recognizing farmers, processors, industry organizations, and businesses whose contributions are strengthening growth across the province’s $50.7 billion agri-food sector.
Agri-Food
Announcing the 2024 Winners of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund
ventureLAB, in partnership with York Region, is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund, dedicated to supporting organizations that encourage innovation and cultivate diversity.
Robots, research offer taste of farming’s future in Holland Marsh
Self-driving machines could take on tasks of spraying, seeding and weeding.
York Region named one of ‘Canada’s Best Locations’ to invest by Site Selection Magazine
York Region is a top destination for business, innovation and talent and investing in business supports and services is integral to ensuring businesses and employees in York Region contribute to a strong economy.
Aurora STEM centre, King-based farm partner to engage next generation of farmers
Brandon Hebor, who owns Boreal Farms, has partnered with Anu Bidani, founder of Aurora-based Stem Minds, to run monthly free, community nights since March. There have also been a dozen workshop sessions for children and a free, agriculture-themed summer camp for youth aged 15 and up.
Three grocers in Newmarket and East Gwillimbury awarded by Foodland Ontario
Grocers were recognized for building creative produce displays that drive sales of local Ontario produce and demonstrate an exceptional commitment to Ontario’s local food industry.
Provincial funding upskills 150 jobseekers, boosts York Region’s agricultural sector, Newmarket-Aurora MPP says
The goal is to build foundational skills, introduce innovations in the agri-food value chain, and foster partnerships that support workforce transitions into in-demand agri-tech occupations.
Muddy York Brewing spreading its wings in Stouffville
“We realized that Stouffville doesn’t have a brewery and we thought it would be a good idea to look at some options here,” Michalek said.
York Region thrives as business hub where talent and opportunity intersect
“Identifying challenges in the business community and taking action to overcome them is the backbone of the 2024 to 2027 Economic Development Action Plan,” said City of Richmond Hill Regional Councillor Joe DiPaola, Chair of the Region’s Planning and Economic Development. “The 2024 to 2027 Action Plan builds on important work already underway to complement our partners’ efforts and drive economic prosperity together.”
Newmarket Farmers’ Market named the best in Ontario
Farmers’ Market Ontario, which represents more than 180 markets across the province, is committed to supporting and promoting vibrant, sustainable farmers’ markets across the province.
York Region creates new plan to boost business, economy, workforce
York Region business and research leaders are welcoming a new strategy to help develop the regional economy and businesses.
Announcing the 7th Cohort of the Hardware Catalyst Initiative
The selection process for cohort 7 was highly competitive, including a rigorous bootcamp to ensure the selected companies were primed for success in the hardware industry, which is notoriously known for long lead times for product validation and securing investment.
York Region is updating the Agriculture and Agri-Food Sector Strategy and wants your input
Do you want to see the agriculture and agri-food sector, from farm to fork, in York Region thrive? The insights you share through this survey will inform the development of York Region’s new Agriculture and Agri-Food Sector Strategy, building on the successes of the previous strategy.
Beloved brewery, Muddy York Brewing Co. is relocating to Stouffville
Echoing others’ sentiments about Toronto’s volatile real estate market, Michalek adds, “we’re victims of this crazy financial economic situation right now where even for a successful business like ours, certain things are just not within grasp, especially in Toronto. It’s hard.”
Aurora-based Flow Beverage signs 45 million unit co-pack agreement with Joyburst
The Aurora production facility is ideally suited to help Joyburst reach its production goals and has the expansion potential to grow alongside our partners.
Markham headquartered restaurant software startup Snappy secures $7-million Series A round
Founded in 2016, Snappy offers restaurant management technology for customer touchpoints including point-of-sale, online orders, loyalty programs, reservations, waitlists, and custom-branded mobile apps and websites.
19 York Region-based companies make Report on Business ranking of Canada’s Top Growing Companies 2023
There were 19 York Region-based business to make the list.
At the heart of North America’s largest food and beverage hub, Vaughan feeds the world
The sector plays a significant role in the agri-food value chain of York Region, which contributed $547 million in real gross domestic product (GDP) to Ontario’s economy in 2021.
Third Canadian Paris Baguette Café is now open in Newmarket
The Newmarket café is the third in Canada and the first corporate location in the country. Paris Baguette plans to add to this expansion by opening additional cafés this year, including another corporate café, as well as several more locations in 2024.
Markham Fair: A Grand Tradition of Excellence and Community Spirit!
Set against the backdrop of the crisp autumn season, this iconic event, happening annually the weekend before Canadian Thanksgiving, draws over 80,000 attendees. With a staggering 12,000+ items showcased by about 3,000 exhibitors, it’s a vibrant display of excellence, competition, and community pride.
Savor East Gwillimbury’s Agricultural Wonders: Farm to Fork Tour!
One of the fastest growing regions in Canada, East Gwillimbury is an agricultural community of villages connected by forest and farms, making it a seamless blend of heritage and innovation.
‘I’ve been selling stuff on the side of the road my whole life’: Reesor Farm Market moves to next generation
Reesor Farm Market started as a wagon at the end of the driveway selling sweet corn and pumpkins. A few years after that Reesor started selling strawberries.
‘Ahead of the curve’: Newmarket success story leads business to relocate to new location that’s 3-times larger
From reusable bags to compostable plates following soon after, Eco Guardian is now one of Canada’s fastest-growing companies, counting among its clients Longo’s, Loblaws and Canadian Tire.
Richmond Hill headquartered Rubicon Exotic Juice and DJ Charlie B bring fresh mixes and refreshment to fans
This new flavour is sure to be an instant hit with at-home mixologists, foodservice professionals, and families who enjoy vibrant bold tastes.
Eat Impact launches service in York Region, rescuing misfit produce to save customers money
In partnership with farmers and distributors, Eat Impact rescues the “too ugly” and “too many” fruit and vegetables, and delivers it to customers at up to 40 per cent off grocery store prices.
Richmond Hill-based Clearly Canadian surpasses 50 million bottles shipped
The demand for the iconic glass bottles exceeded all expectations and has only continued to grow. To date, the Clearly Canadian distribution footprint has increased to more than 15,000+ retailers across North America, as well as expanded its online Amazon business to over 3,000 cases per month.
Two York Region-based companies advance to finals of the Ontario Made Awards
Fruit of the Land Culinary Market and International Safety both advance to to the finals of the Ontario Made Awards.
6 food industry leaders in York Region
These six food companies in York Region are helping to propel the local agri-food sector.
Richmond Hill-born Entrepreneur Anika Sawni is Making Alcohol-Free Drinks Mainstream
Grüvi has 18 full-time employees and sells its zero-proof sangria and nitro mocha stout at 3,500 North American stores. Anika, now 27, was named to Forbes’s 30 Under 30 list in its food and beverage category in 2021.
Grand Opening: Acclaimed Chef Vikram Vij partners with Eat Up Canada to open first Bombay Frankies location in East Gwillimbury
Vij, a famed restaurateur, cookbook author and TV personality, oversaw development and testing of the Bombay Frankie menu, inputting his unique spin on some of his favourite frankie roll flavour combinations.