The Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance (NOFIA), based in the Temiskaming District, has been recognized with the Northern Business Excellence Award at the 2026 Excellence in Agriculture Awards. The award was presented at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto this past weekend.
The Excellence in Agriculture Awards are an initiative of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. It recognizes and celebrates some of the best people, businesses and organizations contributing to the strength, innovation and success of Ontario’s agri-food sector. NOFIA’s award recognizes its leadership in advancing agricultural education, innovation and opportunities for the future of farming in Northern Ontario.
A key initiative behind this recognition is NOFIA’s work to explore the agricultural potential of Northern Ontario’s Clay Belt—a vast area of approximately 180,000 square kilometres of fertile land stretching from Cochrane to Quebec’s Abitibi region. Through a summer course, students had the opportunity to visit farms, meet producers and connect with agricultural businesses and stakeholders. Students gained first-hand insight into the opportunities and challenges of farming in the North.
The program was developed in collaboration with Dr. Sara Epp, Associate Professor in the University of Guelph’s School of Environmental Design and Rural Development. Dr. Epp is also a member of the Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance (GHFFA). Her collaboration with NOFIA demonstrates the value of bringing together academic expertise, regional organizations and agricultural communities to build knowledge and strengthen Ontario’s food system.
This award is a wonderful recognition of NOFIA’s work to support the growth and long-term sustainability of Northern Ontario agriculture. It also highlights how collaboration across the province can create new learning opportunities, encourage innovation and help shape a stronger future for Ontario’s agri-food sector.
Congratulations to NOFIA and everyone involved in this important work!