The government commits more than $15 million to the projects
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
The Ontario government is supporting more than 20 agricultural projects in the north.
Ontario is investing $15.6 million into 27 agricultural projects through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation.
Northern Ontario’s ag sector is a large contributor to the provincial economy, meaning these investments are important for the province’s continued success, according to Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs.
“Northern Ontario’s agri-food sector supports more than 4,000 jobs and contributes $230 million to our province’s economy,” he said in a statement yesterday. “Our government remains committed to investing in northern agriculture and farm businesses to further increase competitiveness, create good jobs and boost local economic growth.”
The Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance (NOFIA) will receive more than $3.4 million of the total funding.
The organization will use most of the money to help producers clear land and install tile drainage. NOFIA will also use funds to develop a dairy strategy for Northern Ontario and study the potential for a rail loading and unloading facility near Timiskaming.
“NOFIA is committed to working with our partners to find new ways to innovate and commercialize northern agricultural products,” Norm Koch, chair of NOFIA, said in the statement yesterday. “We commend the NOHFC for its support of our research projects, such as the dairy strategy, and for its ongoing investments in farm improvements across the North.”
Other funded projects include:
- $15,907 for the Sheguiandah First Nation to study how to best use 131 acres of local farmland.
- $45,000 for the Rainy River Regional Abattoir Inc. to purchase new equipment.
- $826,140 to help Cloverbelt County Meats Co-operative Inc. expand its abattoir.
A full list of funded projects can be found here.
Farms.com has reached out to NOFIA for more comment on the investments.