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2. The Award of Excellence for Innovation recognizes an individual, organization or business that made an innovative contribution to the agri-food sector, resulting in a new technology, product or service, a new use for an existing product and/or increased productivity, profitability or client-service. General Criteria: The nominee's innovative technology, end product, or service must be original and contain a majority of Canadian content and have resulted in specific commercial and/or social benefits within the last three years. The benefits of the innovation must go beyond the nominee and contribute to the industry, sector or society at large. The research, innovation or technology has advanced the capabilities of the sector, created or enhanced existing partnerships and resulted in a new product and/or service. The innovation is already, or has the potential to be, commercially successful. 3. The Award of Excellence for Agri-Food Export recognizes outstanding achievements by a small- or medium-sized Canadian enterprise, alliance or organization in securing new export markets. General Criteria: The nominee made an important contribution to the agri-food industry or the rural community, thereby improving the quality of life for Canadians. A small- or medium-sized Canadian enterprise, alliance or organization with sales of no more than $50 million, the nominee is based in Canada and exports Canadian grown, produced or processed products and has been in business at least two fiscal years. The nominee is currently exporting to one or more countries, with export sales that are at least 15 per cent of total sales. The nominee has demonstrated success in the following areas: introducing new products or services in the international market; maintaining or increasing export market share over a two-year period; developing unique export alliances with domestic or international partners to secure new international markets for products or services. 4. The Award of Excellence for Agricultural Awareness and Education recognizes an individual, group or organization that has made significant contributions in promoting public awareness and understanding of the agriculture and agri-food sector through agricultural awareness/education events, activities or projects. General Criteria: The nominee's concept, project, event or activity was unique or original and met specific outreach objectives/goals. The activity created awareness in a new or undeveloped audience. The nominee projected a confident and positive image for the sector and demonstrated thorough knowledge of the sector. The core message of the project was positive and was appropriate for the intended audience. The nominee's efforts resulted in improved image, increased understanding or more extensive or in-depth knowledge of the sector. 5. The Award of Excellence for Voluntarism recognizes an individual or organization whose actions, commitment, dedication, enthusiasm and generosity of spirit make a valuable ongoing contribution to the agri-food industry and/or the rural community, improving the quality of life for rural Canadians. General Criteria: The nominee demonstrated a high degree of commitment, beyond personal benefit, to the agri-food sector and the rural community. Initiatives undertaken by the nominee have generated tangible and measurable benefits to the agri-food industry and/or the rural community over the last three years. The nominee is a role model for others, attracting others to volunteering. The nominee is engaged in volunteer activities that address community concerns and/or challenges for the agriculture and agri-food industry. All nominees must be Canadian residents or Canadian-based organizations and meet eligibility requirements, which are specific to each award. Barry MacCormack Senior Communications Advisor/Conseiller principal en communications Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada/Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada Telephone/Téléphone: 519-837-5867 Facsimile/Télécopieur: 519-837-9782 174 Stone Road West/174 chemin Stone Ouest Guelph, Ontario/Guelph (Ontario) N1G 4S9E THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL WINTER FAIR & THE CITY OF TORONTO DISCUSS PLANS FOR THE FUTURE Toronto, Ontario: On Monday, March 24, 2003, senior executives of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair made a presentation to the Economic Development Committee of the City of Toronto. The City of Toronto has been a long-standing supporter of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and the presentation on Monday was an opportunity to review the positive impact the Royal has on the city and to discuss plans for working together in the future. "Over the last two years, particularly, the Royal has experienced a very positive, steady growth in attendance, exhibitors and corporate partners," states Bill Duron, CEO of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. The economic impact the Royal has on the city is also substantial. "November is typically a slow month for tourism but, in that month the Royal generates $44 million dollars in visitor spending," sights Mr. Duron. The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is the largest indoor combined agricultural, horticultural, canine and equestrian event in the world and occupies approximately 1 million square feet of space at the National Trade Centre every November. While the event has been growing in stature and attendance, expenses to maintain the quality of this world-class event have also been growing, causing the organization to utilize reserve funds. Royal senior executives have taken a proactive approach in securing continuing support and partners to ensure the Royal operates without further reliance on reserve funds. These efforts with the City and the senior levels of government will solidify the financial position to keep the event growing and relevant well into the future. The 2003 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair will take place at the National Trade Centre, Exhibition Place, November 7 - 16, 2003. A Canadian tradition since 1922, the Royal is a showcase of the very best in agriculture, horticulture and equestrian sport and a rare opportunity to experience a taste of rural life in the city. For additional information, please contact: Bill Duron Chief Executive Officer Royal Agricultural Winter Fair TEL 416 263-3447 |
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Wonders
of Arizona, Grand Canyon
State
..
Agriculture
and Agri-Food Canada and the Royal Agricultural
Winter Fair (RAWF) are inviting nominations for the
third annual Canadian Agri-Food Awards of
Excellence. The national awards, first launched in
2001, celebrate outstanding achievement in Canadian
agriculture and agri-food in five categories:
innovation, environmental stewardship, export
performance, agricultural awareness and education,
and voluntarism.