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Cost-share funding available for companies boosting Ontario grains

Organizations with projects or programs that use Ontario grains are eligible for up to $50,000 in funding through the Grain Farmers of Ontario’s 2020 Grains Innovation Fund.

The Grains Innovation Fund supports the development of novel new uses of Ontario grains and encourages innovation from Ontario companies.

The fund is an opportunity for organizations with innovative projects or programs that use Ontario grains. Projects that satisfy the eligibility criteria for the Grains Innovation Fund can receive up to 60 per cent of the cost of the project, up to a maximum of $50,000.

“The Grains Innovation Fund, officially launched in 2010, has supported 45 projects to date with over $1.2 million in funding,” said Nicole Mackellar, market development manager at Grain Farmers of Ontario, in a released statement. “The program is designed to help support companies who are interested in using local ingredients in their products and supporting local farmers. From product development to marketing campaigns to website design, the program is designed to help companies share the story of their use and support of local grain.”

Eligible projects must either open new markets for Ontario grains, expand the use and demand for Ontario grains, promote Ontario grains as the best choice, identify preserve varieties for novel uses, and/or increase the value (premiums) for Ontario grains.

“Last year’s success stories include a pioneering blockchain project, as well as a project expanding demand for Ontario corn through growing overseas markets for Ontario corn-fed beef,” Mackellar added.

Applications for the Grains Innovation Fund must be submitted by Nov. 1, 2019. Information about the fund and the application process is available online.

Grain Farmers of Ontario is the province’s largest commodity organization, representing 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean and wheat farmers in Ontario.