Investment will help the northern agriculture sector grow, compete in new markets and support good-paying jobs
April 10, 2026
EARLTON — The Ontario government is investing $1 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help Koch Grain Elevator (Earlton) Inc., in cooperation with Ontario Northland Railway (ONR), build a grain transloading facility on its property in Earlton. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the government is making strategic investments and promoting key partnerships to strengthen the province’s agriculture sector. Helping northern farmers improve operations and boost competitiveness in domestic and global markets will support good-paying jobs and build a more resilient and self-reliant economy in the north.
“Strong partnerships are at the heart of economic growth in northern Ontario,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “This investment helps Koch Grain Elevator and ONR work together to support our farmers by improving logistics, lowering costs, increasing efficiency and opening the door to new opportunities for farmers across the north.”
Koch Grain Elevator (Earlton) Inc. operates a grain elevator where it stores, sorts and dries grain, and distributes to wholesalers outside of northern Ontario. NOHFC funding will support the purchase and installation of equipment needed for the new transloading facility, including conveyors, a loading pit, bucket elevators and automated scale loading hopper bins. A transloading facility is where goods, such as grain, are transferred between different transportation modes—typically from trucks to railcars or vice versa—to optimize shipping efficiency and costs.
This project is in partnership with the ONR and Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC), which will install and own the track and switches. The development of this new facility will increase grain exports from northern Ontario, reduce shipping costs, open new markets and improve delivery reliability.
“This project represents a transformative, once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity for agriculture in northeastern Ontario,” said Norman Koch, President of Koch Grain Elevator (Earlton) Inc. “Expanding our ability to ship grain beyond the region will unlock new markets and create lasting benefits for farmers across the north. We are grateful for the critical support of the NOHFC and ONTC in making this possible.”
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 investment of an additional $30 million over three years, 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 invested more than $1 billion in over 8,000 projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 12,500 jobs.
Quotes
“This investment will help northern farmers grow their businesses by increasing sales of Ontario grain to new and emerging markets, while strengthening and diversifying our economy. Our government is proud to support agricultural growth in the north, where farmers play a vital role in protecting Ontario’s food independence.”
– Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
“Grain production has been growing in northern Ontario, creating increased demand for reliable and efficient transportation options. We appreciate the province’s investment in infrastructure that helps improve access to southern Ontario processors and export markets, supporting greater efficiency, stronger market access and long-term opportunities for farmers across the region.”
– Jeff Harrison, Chair, Grain Farmers of Ontario
“This investment is critical to unlocking future growth, expansion and economic opportunities for the agriculture sector in northern Ontario. Investing in grain transloading facilities and adding value across the agriculture system will help strengthen the economy in northern Ontario communities, create cost-effective options and opportunities for transporting grain from farm to market, enhance competitiveness and expand market access to ensure the long-term viability of agriculture in the region.”
– Drew Spoelstra, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Additional Resources
- The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.
| Media Contact
Sam McCormick, Minister’s Office Media Relations, Communications Branch |
news.ontario.ca/mnedg/en Disponible en français |
