GORE BAY—Split Rail Brewing Company, based in Gore Bay, received honourable mention recognition in the Women’s Excellence category at the annual Ontario government Excellence in Agriculture Awards for 2024.
“We are super pleased to have received this honour,” stated Andrea Smith, co-owner of Split Rail with Eleanor Charlton.
“Split Rail Brewing, founded by Andrea Smith and Eleanor Charlton, is Ontario’s only fully women-owned brewery. This Manitoulin Island brewery has partnered with farms and other groups to help grow the craft beer sector,” the award citation reads.
The Women’s Excellence award recognizes those who are nominated for “demonstrating leadership and/or excellence and how those efforts are supporting the growth and development of Ontario’s agriculture and food sector.”
“We are considered an agri-food business because we use ingredients in our products from local businesses and individuals in the agriculture industry,” said Ms. Smith.
“This year’s Excellence in Agriculture Award winners inspire me and demonstrate the extent of the passion and talent that sets Ontario agri-food apart in a competitive global market,” said Rob Flack, minister of agriculture, food and agribusiness. “My ministry and our government will continue working with leaders across the sector to reinforce the right conditions for long-term growth and dynamism.”
The excellence in agriculture awards recognize businesses, individuals and organizations that have raised the bar for excellence in the agriculture and food industry and demonstrated leadership in their field.
The recipient of the centrepiece Minister’s Award is Farm and Food Care Ontario, who build partnerships to help raise awareness about food and farming in Ontario. They foster meaningful connections through marketing campaigns and resources including The Real Dirt on Farming, while hosting farm tours and events such as Breakfast on the Farm. The organization also provides training to develop strong agricultural ambassadors who educate the public on where their food originates.”
Ms. Smith accepted the award on behalf of Split Rail at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, which ran from November 1-10. The award winner in the women’s excellence category was Jenny Carnaghan of Carncroft farms in Durham. A second honourable mention was presented to Energrow Inc. of Perth.
The Excellence in Agriculture Awards aligns with the goal of the Grow Ontario Strategy, including spreading awareness of Ontario grown local food and the provincial agri-food supply chain, and encouraging the consumption of high-quality, locally sourced food.
