Two Ontario farmers are receiving the province's top agri-food innovation awards. he recipients are being recognized under the Premier's Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence, a $2.5-million, five-year program (now in its second year) established to recognize innovators who contribute to the success of Ontario's agri-food sector.

• William Nightingale, of B & C Nightingale Farms (LaSalatte), is the recipient of the Premier's Award of $100,000. He was recognized for his work in improving Ontario's fresh vegetable yields by pioneering the use of high tunnels over vegetable field crops.

• David Freeman, of Freeman Farms (Meaford), received the Minister's Award of $50,000 for his innovation in developing freeze-dry technology and building a state-of-the-art processing plant equipped to process botanicals for use in nutraceuticals and whole foods.

The innovations of 55 regional winners, who will receive $5,000 each, will be highlighted at regional award ceremonies in the coming weeks.

The awards were presented at the fourth Premier's Summit on Agri-Food. The summit's theme this year is 'Buy Ontario'. Participants will discuss ways of growing the demand for local foods, which will benefit the province's farmers, rural economies, and the environment.