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GFO’s 2021 Grains Innovation Fund now accepting applications

Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO), representing Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean and wheat farmers, has opened applications for the Grains Innovation Fund. The fund supports retail and industry projects that develop novel, value-added uses or promote new markets for Ontario grains.

The Grains Innovation Fund encourages innovation from Ontario companies that offer agri-food or other grains-based products. It’s an opportunity for organizations with innovative projects that satisfy the eligibility criteria to receive up to 60 per cent of the cost of the project – up to a maximum of $50,000.

“Over the last 11 years, the Grains Innovation Fund has invested $1.2 million in more than 45 projects, helping to create new market opportunities for Ontario grain,” says Nicole Mackellar, market development manager at GFO. “Ontario growers produce high quality barley, corn, oats, soybeans and wheat, and this fund enables companies with new grains-based products to achieve success and drive the use and open new markets for Ontario grains.”

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 for consumers and/or the food value chain domestically or abroad, and/or increase the value for Ontario grains through the development of new, value-added uses. Some of the important projects that have been funded include:

• The Straw Boss: Pelleting Ontario wheat straw for livestock;
• Ontario Corn-Fed Beef: Promoting Ontario corn-fed beef in overseas markets;
• Henry’s Tempeh: Marketing campaign support for tempeh produced from IP soybeans.

Applications for the Grains Innovation Fund must be submitted by October 30 at 4 p.m. Information about the fund and the application process is available at gfo.ca/market-development or by contacting Nicole Mackellar at nmackellar@gfo.ca or 1-519-820-0670.