Funding will protect region’s agri-food sector by upgrading farmland and improving crop production

SUDBURY — The Ontario government is supporting the growth of the agri-food sector in the Timiskaming-Cochrane region by investing $1 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help the Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance (NOFIA) bring tile drainage improvements to more cropland in Northern Ontario. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments to assist farmers in expanding operations, enable longer growing seasons, improve crop yields and create jobs across the North.

George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth, made the announcement today at the Northern Ontario Ag Conference, attended by producers, students and leaders in the agriculture sector.

“Agriculture in the North is thriving and ready to grow,” said Minister Pirie. “The NOHFC’s Tile Drainage Program is one more example of how our government’s actions and strategic investments are securing a stronger, more resilient and self-reliant Northern Ontario agriculture sector, supporting a bright future for our farming communities.”

NOFIA, a not-for-profit organization that promotes research and innovation in agriculture, is using NOHFC funding to administer a tile drainage project to increase the amount and quality of arable land in the Timiskaming-Cochrane region. The project will support the installation of tile drainage on approximately 1,923 acres of land and benefit a consortium of 14 producers.

“NOFIA appreciates the NOHFC’s continued support for agricultural development,” said Yves Gauthier, President, Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance. “Agriculture in Northern Ontario supports over 8,990 jobs and contributes over $555 million in GDP to the provincial economy. Farm cash receipts have grown over the past 15 years from $182 million in 2006 to $246 million in 2024. The investments made through programs such as the NOHFC’s Invest North Program and Regional Tile Drainage Initiative have played a key role in the growth seen in the sector across Northern Ontario.”

Tile drainage is a water management practice to remove excess water from the crop root zone by installing corrugated plastic tubing and concrete drain tiles beneath the surface of agricultural land. It is an increasingly common land improvement procedure amongst farmers in Ontario and is highly effective at creating more consistent crop yields and promoting a longer growing season, while reducing plant stress, soil erosion and wear and tear on equipment. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $27 million in 37 tile drainage projects in Northern Ontario, enhancing 50,690 acres of land and creating or sustaining over 75 jobs.

“This investment will help protect the production of food grown right here at home, advancing the goals of our Grow Ontario Strategy,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Our government is proud to support this project, which will improve crop yields for farmers in Northern Ontario and strengthen 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 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 nearly 8,100 economic development projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 12,500 jobs.
• Hosted by NOFIA, the Northern Ontario Ag Conference brings together producers, students, researchers, agri-businesses and agricultural stakeholders to discuss best practices and topics such as innovation and sustainability. The 2026 conference is taking place February 6 and 7 in Sudbury. 

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.