Ortaliza named finalist for tourism award

KINGSVILLE — Ortaliza Urban Farms of Kingsville has been named a finalist in the Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation’s 2021 Innovation Awards, to be presented March 8-9 in London.

The Innovation Awards recognize businesses, organizations, leaders, meaningful experiences, events or programming within Ontario’s Southwest that are telling stories, building the tourism industry with purpose and passion and moving towards sustainable tourism.

The 2021 Sustainability Trailblazer of the Year Award finalists include Ortaliza Urban Farms and Ottercreek Woodworks Inc. Ortaliza Urban Farms is located in the heart of downtown Kingsville.

Owners Carina Biacchi and Alvaro Fernandes specialize in micro-greens, which are considered a super food.

“Just to be recognized as one of the Sustainability Trailblazers of the Year is a win on its own,” said Carina. “This new award celebrates businesses or individuals that are working towards sustainable tourism in our region and that have innovative strategies that aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals - and that we do.

“A big part of what we work for is to improve nutrition, promote sustainable agriculture, ensure healthy lives, and promote well-being - those are just a few examples of our aligned work to sustainable development,” she said.