Much of the investment will focus on tile drainage projects aimed at increasing crop yields and expanding arable land. Image by Felix Mittermeier from Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/photos/wheat-field-sunset-backlighting-2391348/
The Ontario government is investing more than $6.1 million in 14 agricultural projects across Northern Ontario in an effort to improve farm productivity, support rural communities, and strengthen the province’s food production capacity.
The funding is being provided through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) and will support projects that help farmers extend growing seasons, improve crop yields, and bring additional farmland into production. The investment is part of ongoing efforts to support economic growth and resilience in Northern Ontario’s agriculture sector.
“Northern Ontario’s agri-food sector plays a vital role in supporting rural communities and strengthening the region’s economy,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “These investments will help northern farmers grow their operations, create new opportunities and further unlock the economic potential of northern Ontario’s agriculture industry.”
Several of the largest projects focus on tile drainage, which can improve soil conditions by removing excess water and making farmland more productive.
The Northeast Community Network received a combined $1.95 million to install tile drainage on approximately 3,500 acres in the Mushkegowuk-James Bay District. The work is expected to help reduce excess moisture, improve field conditions, and increase crop production opportunities for area farmers.
The Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance (NOFIA) will receive $1 million to install tile drainage on more than 1,800 acres across the Timiskaming-Cochrane region. The project is intended to improve drainage, support higher crop yields, and allow producers to diversify crop rotations.
Meanwhile, Area One Farms will use $860,000 to install tile drainage on more than 1,700 acres in the Clay Belt region, helping convert additional land into productive farmland.
Agriculture Minister Sam Oosterhoff said the investment will help strengthen both the regional economy and Ontario’s food supply.
“In the face of unprovoked US tariffs, we’re investing in projects that will create good jobs, build a stronger and more resilient agri-food sector and help to ensure long-term economic growth and prosperity in northern Ontario,” explained Oosterhoff. “The funding announced today will help agriculture companies, food producers and farms in the North open new facilities, expand current operations, or boost crop outputs. These investments will also help strengthen local food security and independence and increase the availability of fresh Ontario-grown foods in northern Ontario and throughout the province.”
Industry leaders said that the investment will help maintain momentum in a sector that has experienced significant growth in recent years.
“NOHFC’s investment in tile drainage is an important vote of confidence in the future of northern Ontario agriculture,” noted Devon Prevost, Chair of the Northeast Community Network. “This support is helping producers make long-term improvements to their land, expand their operations and see greater potential in farming here in the North. Northeast Community Network is proud to work alongside NOHFC to help turn that investment into opportunities for farmers, their families and the next generation.”
Yves Gauthier, President of NOFIA, noted the economic contribution agriculture makes to the region.
“NOHFC's continued support for agricultural development in northern Ontario is greatly appreciated,” stated Gauthier. “As of 2025, agriculture in northern Ontario supports over 9,150 jobs and contributes over $575 million in GDP to the provincial economy. Farm cash receipts have grown over the past 15 years from $182 million in 2006 to $291 million in 2025. The Regional Tile Drainage and Invest North programs have played a significant role in the growth seen in the agricultural sector across northern Ontario.”
According to the province, the NOHFC has approved more than $1.1 billion for over 9,000 projects across Northern Ontario since June 2018, leveraging more than $3.4 billion in investment while creating and sustaining thousands of jobs.
“The funding provided by NOHFC has been instrumental in allowing us to expand the installation of tile drainage and the development of agricultural land across the Great Clay Belt, creating economic stimulation and long-lasting growth that would otherwise not be possible,” Luke Dinan, Director of Northern Operations at Area One Farms, said. “This represents a significant and permanent contribution to Ontario's agricultural sector and further strengthens the food producing capacity of the province.”