Funding will provide farmers with the tools they need to stay competitive, resilient and create good-paying jobs
July 22, 2026
TIMISKAMING — The Ontario government is investing $2,206,211 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to support five agricultural projects in the Timiskaming-Cochrane region that will help equip businesses with the resources they need to create jobs and expand operations. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments to protect agricultural workers and ensure the sector can remain resilient and competitive in the global marketplace.
“Northern Ontario’s agricultural sector is a cornerstone of many rural communities and a key driver of economic activity across the region,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Through these investments, our government is strengthening the competitiveness of northern farmers, driving regional economic development and supporting the enormous potential of northern Ontario’s agri-food industry.”
The NOHFC is providing funding to the following projects:
- $1 million for the Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance (NOFIA), a not-for-profit agricultural research organization, to support the installation of tile drainage on approximately 1,900 acres across 21 farms in the Timiskaming-Cochrane region.
- $400,000 for Co-opérative Régionale de Nipissing-Sudbury Limited, a member-owned co‑operative that operates in the agricultural, retail and energy sectors, to construct a new crop nutrient facility in Thornloe and purchase new equipment.
- $400,000 for Double Ridge Farms Inc., a family-run dairy farm in New Liskeard, to construct a new dairy barn and acquire robotic milking systems and other equipment.
- $400,000 for Lynch Ag Ltd., a seed potato farm for the chip industry, to build a new specialized potato storage facility at its site in Evanturel.
- $6,211 for Lorraine Valley Sugar Bush, a maple syrup producer, to renovate its new bottling and storage facility, undertake land servicing and acquire equipment.
“Behind every one of these projects is a farm family or local business working hard to grow more, produce more and keep food on Ontario tables,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “At a time of U.S. tariffs and trade uncertainty, our government is protecting Ontario by investing in what northern farmers need to expand, strengthen our food supply and build a self-reliant agri-food sector that feeds our province and competes around the world.”
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 8,600 projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 13,400 jobs.
Quotes
“NOFIA appreciates the NOHFC’s continued support for agricultural development. Agriculture in northern Ontario supports over 8,991 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 Invest North and the Regional Tile Drainage Initiative have played a key role in the growth seen in the sector across northern Ontario.”
– Yves Gauthier, President, Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance (NOFIA)
“The funding support from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation has been instrumental in advancing our Crop Nutrient Facility project, enabling us to better serve producers across the Timiskaming and surrounding region with enhanced access to crop nutrients and regenerative agriculture solutions. This investment strengthens our ability to support sustainable farming practices, improve local food security and drive economic growth in northern Ontario. We are grateful for this partnership, which will deliver lasting benefits to our members, the agricultural community and the broader rural economy.”
– Denis Castonguay, General Manager, Co-opérative Régionale de Nipissing-Sudbury Limited
“This support from our provincial government has helped us build for the next generation and prepare for a successful transition in the years ahead. By upgrading our facilities and investing in robotic technologies, we are better able to provide quality animal care and housing while ensuring the fourth generation can continue producing a high-quality product on our family farm.”
– Darren Jibb, Owner, Double Ridge Farms Inc.
“Since Lynch Ag Ltd. began seven years ago, the NOHFC has played a key role in the establishment and expansion of our seed potato facility in northern Ontario. We are grateful for the investment which has strengthened our ability to grow the business and our workforce.”
– Jamie Lynch, Founder, Lynch Ag Ltd.
“Northern Ontario is one of Ontario agriculture’s greatest growth opportunities, and today’s investment demonstrates the importance of a strong agri-food sector to the province’s economic growth and resilience. Investments in farm infrastructure, innovation and value-added processing help farm businesses expand, improve productivity and create good jobs in rural communities. Strengthening critical infrastructure from tile drainage and modern production facilities to storage capacity and agricultural research gives farmers the tools they need to remain competitive while building a more secure domestic food supply. At a time when farmers are navigating labour challenges, rising costs and international trade pressures, supporting innovation and expanding agricultural capacity in the North helps position Ontario to produce more food at home while creating new economic opportunities across 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 ContactSam McCormick Media Relations |
