October 8, 2026
New funding for 14 projects will help farmers in the North expand operations, create good-paying jobs and stay competitive
NORTHERN ONTARIO — The Ontario government is investing more than $6.1 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to support 14 agriculture projects across northern Ontario that give farmers, businesses and organizations the tools and infrastructure they need to improve productivity, extend growing seasons and increase crop yields. This investment delivers on the government’s plan to protect Ontario by helping the agriculture sector expand and create good-paying jobs, while building a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy.
“Northern Ontario’s agri-food sector plays a vital role in supporting rural communities and strengthening the region’s economy,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “These investments will help northern farmers grow their operations, create new opportunities and further unlock the economic potential of northern Ontario’s agriculture industry.”
Examples of NOHFC-funded projects across northern Ontario include:
- Northeast Community Network will use $1 million to install tile drainage on approximately 1,800 acres and another $948,830 to install tile drainage on approximately 1,700 acres, expanding arable land in the Mushkegowuk-James Bay District. These projects will help reduce excess water issues, improve productive farmland and boost growing seasons and crop yields, benefiting many local farmers.
- Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance (NOFIA), a non-profit company that works with farmers and industry partners to support agriculture growth and research and development, will use $1 million to install over 1,800 acres of tile drainage across the Timiskaming-Cochrane region. This project will improve farmland drainage, increase crop production, help farmers grow a wider variety of crops and support local businesses.
- Area One Farms, a company that helps bring land into agricultural production and supports the growth of family farms across the Clay Belt region, will use $860,000 to install over 1,700 acres of tile drainage to expand arable land. This initiative will make farmland more productive and help farmers grow more crops, creating benefits for the local economy.
The Ontario government is prioritizing investments through the NOHFC that protect northern industries and jobs, mitigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions and secure new opportunities for the long-term prosperity of northern Ontario. The renewed focus is boosting competitiveness and ensuring the North remains a leader in Ontario’s economy. This new direction is in addition to the province’s increased investment, bringing the NOHFC’s annual budget to a total of $110 million. Together, these initiatives will benefit communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities.
Quick Facts
- Through its funding programs, the NOHFC offers support to public and private sector economic development projects across northern Ontario.
- Since June 2018, the NOHFC has approved more than $1.1 billion for 9,000-plus projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3.4 billion in investment, creating over 11,580 new jobs and sustaining over 2,345 jobs.
Quotes
“In the face of unprovoked U.S. tariffs, we’re investing in projects that will create good jobs, build a stronger and more resilient agri-food sector and help to ensure long-term economic growth and prosperity in northern Ontario. The funding announced today will help agriculture companies, food producers and farms in the North open new facilities, expand current operations, or boost crop outputs. These investments will also help strengthen local food security and independence and increase the availability of fresh Ontario-grown foods in northern Ontario and throughout the province.”
– Sam Oosterhoff, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
“NOHFC’s investment in tile drainage is an important vote of confidence in the future of northern Ontario agriculture. This support is helping producers make long-term improvements to their land, expand their operations and see greater potential in farming here in the North. Northeast Community Network (NeCN) is proud to work alongside NOHFC to help turn that investment into opportunities for farmers, their families and the next generation.”
– Devon Prevost, Chair, Northeast Community Network
“NOHFC’s continued support for agricultural development in northern Ontario is greatly appreciated. As of 2025, agriculture in northern Ontario supports over 9,150 jobs and contributes over $575 million in GDP to the provincial economy. Farm cash receipts have grown over the past 15 years from $182 million in 2006 to $291 million in 2025. The Regional Tile Drainage and Invest North programs have played a significant role in the growth seen in the agricultural sector across northern Ontario.”
– Yves Gauthier, President, Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance
“The funding provided by NOHFC has been instrumental in allowing us to expand the installation of tile drainage and the development of agricultural land across the Great Clay Belt, creating economic stimulation and long-lasting growth that would otherwise not be possible. This represents a significant and permanent contribution to Ontario’s agricultural sector and further strengthens the food producing capacity of the province.”
– Luke Dinan, Director of Northern Operations, Area One Farms
Additional Resources
- The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Ontario Small Business Advisory Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.
Media ContactSam McCormick Media Relations |
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