NORTHERN ONTARIO, October 8, 2026 — The Ontario government has announced more than $6.1 million in funding for 14 agricultural projects across northern Ontario, aimed at expanding productive farmland, improving crop yields and supporting long-term economic growth in the region.
The investment, delivered through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), will help farmers, agricultural businesses and industry organizations improve infrastructure, address farmland drainage challenges and increase production capacity.
The province says the funding is part of its broader strategy to strengthen domestic food production, protect agricultural employment and improve economic resilience amid U.S. tariffs and international trade disruptions.
Major Investments Target Farmland Expansion and Agricultural Productivity
Several projects receiving funding will focus on tile drainage systems, which remove excess water from agricultural land and improve growing conditions.
The Northeast Community Network will receive $1 million to install tile drainage across approximately 1,800 acres in the Mushkegowuk-James Bay District. A separate allocation of $948,830 will support drainage improvements on another 1,700 acres.
Together, the projects are expected to improve farmland productivity, reduce excess water and support longer growing seasons.
The Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance (NOFIA) will receive $1 million to install tile drainage across more than 1,800 acres in the Timiskaming-Cochrane region. The improvements are intended to increase crop production and enable farmers to cultivate a wider range of crops.
Area One Farms will receive $860,000 for drainage improvements covering more than 1,700 acres in the Clay Belt region, supporting the expansion of productive agricultural land and family farming operations.
Provincial Government Emphasizes Rural Economic Development
“Northern Ontario’s agri-food sector plays a vital role in supporting rural communities and strengthening the region’s economy,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “These investments will help northern farmers grow their operations, create new opportunities and further unlock the economic potential of northern Ontario’s agriculture industry.”
Agriculture Minister Sam Oosterhoff linked the funding to the province’s efforts to address trade pressures and strengthen food security.
“In the face of unprovoked U.S. tariffs, we’re investing in projects that will create good jobs, build a stronger and more resilient agri-food sector and help to ensure long-term economic growth and prosperity in northern Ontario. The funding announced today will help agriculture companies, food producers and farms in the North open new facilities, expand current operations, or boost crop outputs. These investments will also help strengthen local food security and independence and increase the availability of fresh Ontario-grown foods in northern Ontario and throughout the province.”
Agricultural Organizations Highlight Long-Term Benefits
Industry representatives say improvements to agricultural infrastructure can support farm expansion and strengthen the region’s food-producing capacity.
“NOHFC’s investment in tile drainage is an important vote of confidence in the future of northern Ontario agriculture. This support is helping producers make long-term improvements to their land, expand their operations and see greater potential in farming here in the North. Northeast Community Network (NeCN) is proud to work alongside NOHFC to help turn that investment into opportunities for farmers, their families and the next generation.”
— Devon Prevost, Chair, Northeast Community Network
NOFIA President Yves Gauthier highlighted the industry’s economic contribution and growth.
“NOHFC’s continued support for agricultural development in northern Ontario is greatly appreciated. As of 2025, agriculture in northern Ontario supports over 9,150 jobs and contributes over $575 million in GDP to the provincial economy. Farm cash receipts have grown over the past 15 years from $182 million in 2006 to $291 million in 2025. The Regional Tile Drainage and Invest North programs have played a significant role in the growth seen in the agricultural sector across northern Ontario.”
Clay Belt Development Supports Agricultural Expansion
Area One Farms also emphasized the importance of drainage infrastructure in developing additional farmland.
“The funding provided by NOHFC has been instrumental in allowing us to expand the installation of tile drainage and the development of agricultural land across the Great Clay Belt, creating economic stimulation and long-lasting growth that would otherwise not be possible. This represents a significant and permanent contribution to Ontario’s agricultural sector and further strengthens the food producing capacity of the province.”
— Luke Dinan, Director of Northern Operations, Area One Farms
Ontario Expands Northern Economic Development Funding
The province has increased the NOHFC’s annual budget to $110 million, supporting economic development projects in rural, urban and Indigenous communities.
Since June 2018, the corporation has approved more than $1.1 billion for over 9,000 projects, leveraging more than $3.4 billion in additional investment. According to provincial figures, those projects have created more than 11,580 jobs and sustained over 2,345 existing positions.
The latest agricultural investments are intended to build on that activity by improving farmland infrastructure and helping northern producers increase their competitiveness.
For northern Ontario’s agricultural sector, the funding represents an opportunity to expand cultivation, strengthen regional food supply chains and support economic activity in communities where farming remains an important source of employment.
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