WALTON, ON – The 100th Annual International Plowing Match was held in Walton, Ontario this year and, as in previous years, BMO Bank of Montreal presented its Ontario Farm Family Award. This year, eleven families from across Ontario were selected to recognize the outstanding contributions they have made by bringing the community together to celebrate both these exceptional families and the vital urban-rural relationship. The founders of Orangeline Farms and Zing! Health Forward, The Kniaziew Family, were bestowed with this honor for 2017.
“BMO has been a steadfast supporter of the Canadian agricultural community throughout our 200 years of doing business, and this event recognizes the Ontario families that lead the sector in business and environmental best practices,” said Julie Barker-Merz, Senior Vice President, South Western Ontario Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. “We’re thrilled to honor the leadership of these families in the agriculture sector and their vital support of the Ontario economy.”
“On behalf of our entire team, it is an honour to be recognized for our collective hard work, innovation, and environment stewardship,” said Duffy Kniaziew, President and CEO of Zing! Health Forward.
Orangeline Farms, home of Zing! Health Forward, is designed to optimize:
- Environmental factors through features such as rainwater recovery for irrigation
- Plant nutrition
- The use of energy curtains to reduce fuel consumption
Most recently, the company’s addition of Insect Exclusion Netting provides an extra layer of protection between the outside environment and the healthy food produced.
Kniaziew emphasized that Orangeline is among the first greenhouse operations to adapt to this progressive endeavor that puts a physical barrier between the peppers, consumers, and any pests, calling it an “advancement that most organic growers do not currently utilize.”
Congratulations to Orangeline and all recipients of this honor.
