NOHFC Invests $6M in Ontario’s Agri-food Sector

The Government of Ontario is on a steady track of improving Northern Ontario’s innovation and economic growth. On top of recently investing $11.8 million into the region’s tourism sector and continuously strengthening the entertainment industry, the provincial government is providing more and more funding support to a range of industries, including agriculture and related food and beverage businesses.

Through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), the Ontario government is providing more than $6 million to 17 agri-food projects in Northern Ontario.

A significant portion of this NOHFC investment will go towards creating jobs, expanding business operations, improving crop yields, and stimulating economic development.

“The agri-food sector is and always will be a cornerstone of this province’s economy. Investment in this sector will contribute to further economic development and build food security in Northern Ontario.”
– Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

NOHFC Agri-Food Projects Awarded Funding

The following agri-food projects were recently announced to receive Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) funding totaling $6 million:

1. $1,000,000 for Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance to administer a tile drainage installation project within the districts of Timiskaming and Cochrane
2. $979,175 for Northeast Community Network to administer a tile drainage installation project within the District of Cochrane
3. $972,600 for West Nipissing East Sudbury Agricultural Support Projects Inc. to administer a tile drainage installation project within the districts of Parry Sound, Nipissing, Timiskaming, Cochrane, and Sudbury
4. $606,000 for West Nipissing East Sudbury Agricultural Support Projects Inc. to administer a tile drainage installation project within the districts of Parry Sound, Nipissing, Timiskaming, Cochrane, and Sudbury
5. $535,989 for Claybrook Holsteins Inc. – a dairy farm in Thornloe – to build a barn, renovate an existing barn, and purchase equipment
6. $431,738 for West Nipissing East Sudbury Agricultural Support Projects Inc. to administer a tile drainage installation project within the districts of Parry Sound, Nipissing, Timiskaming, Cochrane, and Sudbury
7. $309,086 for Sutom Holsteins Inc. – a dairy farm in Englehart – to renovate a barn and purchase equipment
8. $299,192 for Aniko Pasta Artigianale – a producer of handmade artisanal pasta in Sudbury – to renovate its facility and purchase equipment
9. $200,000 for Peter Struyk to establish a grain drying and storage business in Cochrane, as well as $59,139 to update the facility and purchase equipment
10. $191,720 for Truly Northern Inc. to establish a lettuce and herbs hydroponic farm in Opasatika
11. $187,208 for Inglis Farm Drainage Inc. to establish a tile drainage business in Earlton
12. $143,392 for Ferme Léveillé Et Fils Ltd. – a dairy farm in Earlton – to purchase equipment and build a barn and manure room
13. $110,000 for JLT Enterprises to establish a grain handling, conditioning, and shipping facility in Desbarats
14. $51,923 for The Honey Suite – a produce farm in Mattawa – to build a greenhouse and purchase equipment
15. $8,190 for Boreal Naturals Inc. – an organic berries business in Warren – to purchase equipment
16. $4,960 for Daniel Hamann – who operates a hay feed business in Jogues – to purchase a bale wrapper.

“Agriculture producers and food processors are increasingly looking to Northern Ontario as a region of opportunity and fertility.”
– Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development

Government Grants and Loans for Ontario Businesses

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) promotes and stimulates economic development initiatives by providing grant and loan funding for Northern Ontario districts such as Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Timiskaming.

Companies can reduce eligible project expenses by up to 75% through NOHFC funding programs.

For businesses located in other regions of Ontario, there are many alternative government grant and loan programs such as the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF). Browse our Ontario Grants and Funding Directory to learn about all currently active programs available federally and provincially for Ontario businesses.