Innovative ideas grown by Ontario farmers are contributing to the local economy, boosting the agri-food industry and offering more choices for the consumer. Those ideas were celebrated today at a ceremony honouring local winners of the province's regional awards for innovation excellence.

The Premier's Agri-Food Innovation Excellence awards are part of 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. Winners of the $100,000 Premier's Award and the $50,000 Minister's Award were announced last month at the Premier's Summit on Agri-Food.

Local events across the province are being held to recognize 55 regional award winners, who will receive $5,000 each for their innovations. Area winners presented with their awards today were:

• Carleton Growers Limited - Carp
• Hugli's Blueberry Ranch - Pembroke
• McMaze - Cedar Fox Farm - St. Andrews