Eligible projects can receive grants of up to $75,000 to support value-added processing, market development, and innovative grain-based products. Photo via Scharfsinn86/iStock/Getty Images Plus photo.
Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) is now accepting applications for its 2027 Grains Innovation Fund, a program aimed at helping businesses develop new markets and increase demand for Ontario-grown grains and grain-based products.
The fund will provide grants of up to $75,000 per project, covering up to 60 per cent of eligible costs. In total, GFO plans to invest $250,000 in qualifying projects during the 2027 funding year.
The program is open to initiatives that use Ontario-grown barley, corn, oats, soybeans, wheat, or related crop residues and that can demonstrate the potential to create new market opportunities, expand demand, increase value, or promote the benefits of Ontario grain products.
“Ontario's grain sector continues to drive innovation across a wide range of industries,” explained Paul Hoekstra, Vice President of Strategic Development, GFO. “Over the years, the Grains Innovation Fund has supported projects that have identified new and innovative uses for Ontario grains. We're excited to continue building on that momentum by investing in projects that strengthen value-added processing, create new market opportunities, and build long-term demand for our farmers' crops.”
According to the GFO, recent funding recipients have included projects focused on scaling up soy protein processing, expanding bakery production capacity, and developing low-carbon building materials made from grain crop residues. The organization says these projects are helping create new uses for Ontario-grown grains while supporting market growth and product innovation.
To qualify, projects must use a minimum of 40 metric tonnes annually of Ontario barley, corn, oats, soybeans, wheat, or associated crop residues. Eligible initiatives must also meet at least one objective, such as opening new markets, increasing grain utilization, promoting Ontario grain products, developing novel value-added products, or increasing the value of grain commodities and residues.
While all eligible applications will be considered, the GFO has identified several priority areas for investment. These include food-processing projects utilizing large volumes of Ontario grains and oilseeds, next-generation bioeconomy projects such as renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel, and bio-based materials, feed-sector innovations, scalable value-added processing opportunities, and market development initiatives that increase consumer awareness and demand.
Applications for the 2027 Grains Innovation Fund will be accepted until November 6, 2026, at 4 p.m. EST. Successful applicants are expected to be notified in January 2027, with funding announcements planned for March 2027.
GFO represents approximately 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmers across the province. The organization says these crops are grown on more than six million acres of farmland in Ontario and contribute more than $4.1 billion in production value annually.
For more information, visit www.gfo.ca.