TORONTO – The Ontario government is providing more than $6 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to 17 agri-food projects in Northern Ontario. This investment will help create jobs, expand business operations, improve crop yields and stimulate economic development and diversification across the north.

Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, made the announcement today at The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

“Agriculture producers and food processors are increasingly looking to Northern Ontario as a region of opportunity and fertility,” said Minister Rickford. “Today’s investment demonstrates our government’s commitment to growing and developing the northern agri-food sector.”

The following projects are receiving NOHFC funding:

• $1 million for Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance to administer a tile drainage installation project within the districts of Timiskaming and Cochrane, benefitting a consortium of 17 producers

• $979,175 for Northeast Community Network to administer a tile drainage installation project within the District of Cochrane, benefitting a consortium of seven producers

• $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, benefitting a consortium of 17 producers

• $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, benefitting a consortium of 13 producers

• $535,989 for Claybrook Holsteins Inc. – a dairy farm in Thornloe – to build a barn, renovate an existing barn and purchase equipment

• $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, benefitting a consortium of 12 producers

• $309,086 for Sutom Holsteins Inc. – a dairy farm in Englehart – to renovate a barn and purchase equipment

• $299,192 for Aniko Pasta Artigianale – a producer of handmade artisanal pasta in Sudbury – to renovate its facility and purchase equipment

• $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

• $191,720 for Truly Northern Inc. to establish a lettuce and herbs hydroponic farm in Opasatika

• $187,208 for Inglis Farm Drainage Inc. to establish a tile drainage business in Earlton

• $143,392 for Ferme Léveillé Et Fils Ltd. – a dairy farm in Earlton – to purchase equipment and build a barn and manure room

• $110,000 for JLT Enterprises to establish a grain handling, conditioning and shipping facility in Desbarats

• $51,923 for The Honey Suite – a produce farm in Mattawa – to build a greenhouse and purchase equipment

• $8,190 for Boreal Naturals Inc. – an organic berries business in Warren – to purchase equipment

• $4,960 for Daniel Hamann – who operates a hay feed business in Jogues – to purchase a bale wrapper.

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

The NOHFC promotes economic prosperity across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects—big and small, rural and urban—that stimulate growth, job creation and skills development. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $575 million in 4,835 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $1.86 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 7,770 jobs.

Quick Facts

• In 2021, the Ontario government launched new and improved NOHFC programs that support more projects in rural northern communities and make it easier for more people and businesses to apply. The programs target existing and emerging markets, provide more work opportunities for Indigenous people and address the skilled labour shortage in the north.

• The 100th Anniversary of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is taking place November 4-13, 2022, at Exhibition Place in Toronto.

Quotes

“NOHFC support for tile drainage projects has reinvigorated the agriculture sector in our region. We are now recording some of the best yields in the province in small grains.”

– Michel Champagne
General Manager, West Nipissing East Sudbury Agricultural Support Projects Inc.

“This Ontario government investment will help augment the number of acres in agricultural production. The impact of tile drainage is not only seen through increased cash crop production, but also in the development of spinoff industries such as transportation and grain storage.”

– Yves Gauthier
President, Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance

“Ontario government support has had a positive impact on our business. It has allowed us to expand, as our previous barn was at capacity, and adapt the latest technology for animal care and robotic milking. Our new facility has greatly improved our efficiency and helps us meet consumer expectations on animal welfare by providing optimal cow comfort.”

– Steve Runnalls
Owner and Operator, Claybrook Holsteins Inc.

“Aniko Pasta Artigianale was born out of the local food movement, with a mission to manufacture and distribute artisanal pasta made with ingredients from Northern Ontario. This new business will provide employment opportunities in Sudbury and support farmers and growers in the region, doing its part to strengthen the local food system.”

– Mark Gregorini
Owner, Aniko Pasta Artigianale

“NOHFC funding has enabled me to start up and expand a new business in the Cochrane area. By building a grain storage and drying facility, farmers in the region have been able to harvest their crops with less worry. This business was able to fill a void in our local agricultural infrastructure.”

– Peter Struyk
Owner and Operator

“Inglis Farm Drainage Inc. is happy to have received Ontario government support to help with expenses – including purchasing used equipment and finding our dream shop – to start up our company. Our facility is also now more energy efficient, which will be a cost savings for us. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue farm drainage in the Timiskaming region.”

– Mike and Maija Inglis
Owners and Operators, Inglis Farm Drainage Inc.