Grain Farmers of Ontario seek to fund grain-based food processing projects

Grain Farmers of Ontario is accepting applications for the 2025 Grains Innovation Fund. This fund provides eligible companies and organizations with up to 60 per cent of the cost of a project, capped at $50,000.

The fund supports projects from various sectors including food and feed manufacturing, grain handling, bioproduct development, marketing, and retail. To qualify, projects must utilize at least 40-t annually of Ontario grains or related crop residues and should meet at least one of several criteria including:

• opening new markets for Ontario grains;
• expanding their use and demand;
• promoting them as the preferred choice; and
• supporting the creation of novel, value-added products, or increasing their value.

“Throughout history, grains and oilseeds have played a crucial and adaptable role in fostering innovation across various sectors,” said Paul Hoekstra, VP of strategic development at Grain Farmers of Ontario. “The Grains Innovation Fund projects continue to push boundaries, expanding the market reach and utilization of Ontario’s outstanding grain products.”

All project proposals that meet the fund criteria will be considered however, the following themes are a priority for investment:

• food processing projects that have the potential to utilize large volumes of commodity grains and oilseeds for novel uses;
• projects focused on next-generation bio-economy grains-based solutions such as renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel, and bio-based materials like compostable plastics;
• projects for the feed industry that maximize the potential for Ontario grains in animals’ diets;
• projects that will support new, scalable, value-added processing opportunities in Ontario; or
• projects with significant market reach that promote Ontario grain- and oilseed-based products in a positive manner that can demonstrably increase customer awareness and demand.

Applications must be emailed to rzimic@gfo.ca by 4 p.m. on November 1, 2024. More information can be found at gfo.ca/grains-innovation-fund.