The Conestoga Food Research & Innovation Lab (CFRIL) was honoured with the 2023 Excellence in Agriculture’s Minister's Award and the Excellence in Research and Innovation Award on November 4 during a special presentation at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.
The Conestoga Food Research & Innovation Lab was honoured with the 2023 Excellence in Agriculture’s Minister's Award and the Excellence in Research and Innovation Award on November 4.
The Excellence in Agriculture awards are presented across 11 categories and were established by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to celebrate the outstanding work of individuals, businesses and organizations in the agriculture and food industry.
“I am very proud to present the 2023 Excellence in Agriculture Awards at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, where it is a tradition to celebrate the best of the best,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “The recipients lead by example and have demonstrated ingenuity, drive and passion. Their impact on Ontario’s agriculture and food industry is invaluable.”
CFRIL meets the needs of industry through education, training, research and technical expertise. The lab’s advanced facilities have proven essential in advancing solutions for small, medium and large businesses in the food and culinary sector by providing innovative solutions and support throughout the product development cycle that include formula development, shelf-life studies, packaging testing, and scale-up using pilot plant equipment.
“We’re very proud of the work we’ve done to support applied research for food businesses across the province, and we’re delighted to be recognized for our contributions,” said Nicole Detlor, director, CFRIL. “Through this program, the Government of Ontario is demonstrating their appreciation for the hardworking people and organizations within this industry.”
Bio-Origins Inc., EarthFresh Farms Inc., Green Goddess Fromagerie Inc., Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, Pusateri’s Fine Foods and Terra Bioindustries Inc. are among the partners that have collaborated with CFRIL’s research team on innovation strategies. Each organization offered support of CFRIL’s nomination for the Excellence in Agriculture Awards.
Contact Nicole Detlor or visit the Conestoga Food Research & Innovation Lab for more information.