Agri-Food Pavilion will help northern Ontario business

Jul 04, 2024

Northern Ontario businesses got Federal government help this week to participate in the world's largest indoor agri-food exhibition.

MP Marc Serré announced FedNor will spend $716,800 to help operate the Northern Ontario Agri-Food Pavilion at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (the Royal) .

The funding will allow Economic Partners Sudbury East/West Nipissing Inc. (EPSEWN) to host close to 50 Northern Ontario agri-food and services businesses at the annual global event.

The Northern Ontario Agri-Food Pavilion, which has been a premier attraction at the Royal for over two decades, has grown in size and scope reaching an impressive 7,100 square feet. Since 2015, the FedNor-funded pavilion has featured close to 400 businesses and organizations from across Northern Ontario.

"As a result of their participation in the Pavilion, exhibitors experience many benefits including increased sales, new customers, growth opportunities, and new partnerships and collaborations," says a release. "This strategic initiative will help strengthen and grow Northern Ontario businesses while enabling them to expand outside of the region. This year's Pavilion is expected to showcase 45+ Northern Ontario agri-food producers and service organizations at the 2024 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair."

“A wide range of incredible goods and services can be found across our region, and this FedNor investment will ensure that our agri-food sector receives a deserved spotlight on an international stage,” said Patty Hajdu, Minister Responsible for FedNor

“FedNor's investment in the Northern Ontario Agri-Food Pavilion helps businesses in the north find new markets so they can continue to grow. Supporting the success of our agri-food businesses ensures that the great products we love remain available to us and that the rest of the world has an opportunity to discover some of the many treasures here in our region,” explained Serre.

The FedNor-supported Northern Ontario Agri-Food Pavilion has been a part of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair since 2001 and has more than tripled in size and number of exhibitors.

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair began in 1922, making the indoor agricultural and equestrian event over 100 years old.

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Video: Why Port Infrastructure is Key to Growing Canada's Farms and Economy

Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) knows that strong, modern port infrastructure is vital to the success of Canada’s agriculture. When our ports grow, Ontario grain farmers and Canadian farms grow too—and when we grow, Canada grows.

In this video, we highlight the importance of investing in port infrastructure and how these investments are key to growing Ontario agriculture and supporting global trade. The footage showcases the strength of both Ontario’s farming landscapes and vital port operations, including some key visuals from HOPA Ports, which we are grateful to use in this project.

Ontario’s grain farmers rely on efficient, sustainable ports and seaway systems to move grain to markets around the world. Port investments are crucial to increasing market access, driving economic growth, and ensuring food security for all Canadians.

Why Port Infrastructure Matters:

Investing in Ports = Investing in Farms: Modernized ports support the export of Canadian grain, driving growth in agriculture.

Sustainable Growth: Learn how stronger ports reduce environmental impact while boosting economic stability.

Global Trade Opportunities: Improved port and seaway systems help farmers access new global markets for their grain.

Stronger Communities: Investment in ports means more stable jobs and economic growth for rural communities across Ontario and Canada.

We are proud to support the ongoing investment in port infrastructure and to shine a light on its vital role in feeding the world and securing a prosperous future for Canadian agriculture.

Special thanks to HOPA Ports for providing some of the stunning port footage featured in this video.