MPP Jill Dunlop Announces Ontario Celebrates Local Agricultural Excellence

November 19, 2025

The Government of Ontario is proud to recognize 12 winners and 7 honourable mentions of the 2025 Excellence in Agriculture Awards. Presented across 10 categories, these awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations that are strengthening Ontario’s $51 billion agri-food sector.

Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North, welcomes this announcement, and recognizes the local Fifty Acre Garden of Coldwater for winning the Farm Family Excellence award. The Fifty Acre Garden, a family-run farm in Coldwater, Ontario, uses Korean Natural Farming methods and hydroponics to grow nutrient-rich food without synthetic inputs. Committed to sustainability, they avoid herbicides, donate a third of their produce to a local food bank, and offer volunteers a workshare program for fresh food.

“I’m proud to recognize the winners and honourable mentions of the 2025 Excellence in Agriculture Awards for their hard work and commitment to building a stronger, more competitive agri-food sector,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Their contributions drive the success of our sector and pave the way for the next generation, ensuring Ontario agriculture continues to thrive.”

This year, the province is recognizing excellence in 10 categories:
•Research and Innovation Excellence
•Food Processing Excellence
•Education Excellence
•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

“I’m thrilled to see Fifty Acre Garden of Coldwater recognized with the Farm Family Excellence Award through the 2025 Excellence in Agriculture Awards,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North. “Their dedication, innovation, and hard work reflect the very best of our local farming community. This award is not just a celebration of one outstanding farm, but of the pride, resilience, and excellence that define agriculture in our region. Congratulations to the entire family, your commitment inspires all of us and strengthens our community.”

“On behalf of my awesome business partner who I also call “Dad” (Robert Cutler) and our whole farm team, we’re so thrilled that the Dad and the Garden are being recognized with this prestigious award,” said Lauren McEachern, co-owner, Fifty Acre Garden of Coldwater. “We’ve been so blessed to do this work and to be able to support our partners at The Sharing Place Orillia. We’re grateful for the amazing customers and supporters who have made this dream possible.”

Ontario’s agri-food sector supports more than 867,000 jobs across the province and continues to be a key driver of Ontario’s economy. From establishing sustainability practices to driving innovation and growth, the 2025 honourees are propelling Ontario’s agri-food industry toward a more sustainable and prosperous future. Through initiatives like the Grow Ontario Strategy, Ontario is supporting farmers, processors and agri-food businesses that continue to drive this growth and ensure a strong, sustainable sector for generations to come.