Innovation in Canada is constantly being encouraged across all sectors of business as new technologies and processes can significantly improve production, jobs and profits. The farming sector in Ontario is no exception. With Ontario’s grain farmers responsible for growing 6 million acres of crops across the province, employing more than 40,000 workers and generating more than $9 billion in economic output, farming innovation is paramount in advancing provincial and federal interests.

2020 Grains Innovation Fund

For this reason, Grain Farmers of Ontario, which represents 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean and wheat farmers, is offering the 2020 Grains Innovation Fund grant to support organizations involved in developing novel uses for Ontario grains. Companies with projects that satisfy the eligibility criteria for the fund can receive up to 60% of the cost of the project, up to a maximum of $50,000. Since the official launch of the Grains Innovation Fund in 2010, $1.2 million in funding has supported 45 projects, making it a great funding opportunity for companies dealing in the area of local grains.

New initiatives and growth opportunities are being offered this year by the fund to include an even larger scope of applicants and products after last year’s success stories in marketing and blockchain projects.

Eligible Costs:

  • Marketing activities and promotional materials (i.e. website design, social media, brochures, handouts, pop-up signs, banners).
  • Advertising and Consultant fees.
  •  Product development (i.e. formulation testing, focus groups, sensory panels).
  • Capital expenditures (new equipment for the sole purpose of carrying out this project only. NOTE: Capital expenditures on land, buildings or vehicles are NOT eligible.

Eligible applicants:

To qualify for funding from the Grains Innovation Fund, a company must demonstrate that their project utilizes a minimum of 40 metric tonnes per year of Ontario barley, corn, oats, soybeans and wheat crops or crop residues, while also meeting at least one of the following criteria:

  • Open new markets for Ontario grains or grain residues;
  • Expand the use of, and demand for, Ontario grains or grain residues;
  • Promote Ontario grains or grain residues as the best choice;
  • Identity preserve varieties for novel uses;
  • And/or increase the value (premiums) of Ontario grains or grain residues.

Apply for the 2020 Grains Innovation Fund

Applications for the Grains Innovation Fund must be submitted by 4pm on Friday, November 1st, 2019.

If you have any other questions about The Grains Innovation Fund or other programs to maximize your funding potential, please contact NorthBridge Consultants for a free consultation.

Authored by Philip Finkelstein, Technical Writer at NorthBridge Consultants.