The Ontario government invests more than $2.2 million to help support the agriculture, aquaculture, and food processing sectors in the Thunder Bay region.
The funding will help 13 businesses and Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation expand operations, create jobs, and drive economic growth.
Funding is being delivered through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), which promotes economic prosperity across Northern Ontario. NOHFC provides financial assistance to projects that stimulate growth, job creation and skills development.
The following are some (not limited to) projects that the NOHFC is supporting:
- $373,394 for North Highland Farm (Kakabeka Falls) to purchase and expand a dairy farm
- $171,149 for B & B Farms Thunder Bay (Rosslyn) to increase potato production capacity
- $158,012 for Thunder Bay Co-Operative Farm Supplies (Slate River) to increase fertilizer storage capacity
- $156,643 for Elite Beef (Thunder Bay) to develop a meat processing plant that specializes in premium beef cuts
- $137,221 for Woollysteer Ranch (Nolalu) to start a heritage breed cattle and pig farm
- $123,225 for CharKuu 102 (Gorham) to develop a pig farm that specializes in cured pork
- $59,350 for Bluejay Meadows Farm (Kakabeka Falls) to set up a mushroom, garlic and hay farm
- $52,500 for Silver Creek Farm (Kakabeka Falls) to develop a cattle and pig farm
- $43,501 for the Association of Community Pastures (O’Connor Township) to establish three rotational grazing systems that will promote vegetation growth, increased nutrient intake for cattle and better beef yields for farmers.
“Our government recognizes the importance and significance of local food sources to our wellbeing and economy,” states Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry. “We are providing access to healthy food options for Northerners, and also cultivating business development, diversification and growth in the food industry across Northwestern Ontario.”