The Pork Interpretive Gallery in Elstow, Sask., has been recognized by Agriculture Canada for its role in connecting the public to their food.
Five awards were presented to producers and industry groups as the agency recognized excellence in environmental stewardship, agricultural awareness, volunteerism, innovation and export enhancement.
The sixth annual Agrifood Awards in Excellence were presented during the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto.
The Prairie Swine Centre’s gallery was awarded the Lee Whittington’s award, named for its creator.
In addition, farmer Ian Wishart of Portage la Prairie, Man., received the environmental stewardship award for his role in creating the Alternative Land Services research project, which acts to protect wetlands and prairie soils at risk of erosion.
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William Cheuk was recognized for his innovation with the creation of Origin Organic Farms Inc. of Delta, B.C.
Origin, in its sixth year, is now North America’s largest organic greenhouse vegetable operation. Cheuk has blended traditional farming and farm values with hydroponic production.
Beer drinkers in Japan have benefited from the work of the Sapporo Value Chain Partners at Alix, Alta., with Rahr Malting receiving an award for export enhancement. Sapporo Breweries blends the barley of 59 prairie producers to create a specialized product for the Japanese market that is traceable and marketed for that attribute.
The company works with farmers in a collaborative contract system rather than traditional commodity purchase relationship.
Broiler producer John Opsteen of Campbellville, Ont., was given the award for volunteerism due to his efforts to give the public a first-hand look at chicken production and biosecurity.
The egg-juggling farmer is well known in the Halton, Ont., region for his education and entertainment of students while connecting them to agriculture and food.
